Ibrox CEO Bisgrove and media partners fall silent over Union Bears banners of hate

There has been complete silence from Ibrox over the Union Bears banner and Tifo tribute to New York gang leader William Poole.

In the 1800s Poole led the Brewery Boys which targeted Irish and Catholic people for violence in and around Manhattan.

James Bisgrove refers to the Union Bears as stakeholders and regularly holds talks with the right-wing Ultras group, in May Football Scotland reported the incoming Ibrox CEO saying:

We will engage frequently with our supporters. Even this week I’ve had conversations with the North American Rangers Supporters Association, we met a few weeks ago with the Union Bears, we’re meeting with the RSA.

Having that dialogue, being able to understand what’s important to supporters and being able to explain our decisions, we won’t always agree on everything but we’ll be prepared to communicate.

And I think you’ll see that in our interactions with other stakeholders – with UEFA, other clubs in Scotland. The media as well – that’s another area we want to build relationships. We want to be visible and outward-facing to make sure that the brand of Rangers is shown in the best possible light.

With his silence over last night’s Tifo tribute to Poole it can only be assumed that Bisgrove was comfortable with the display as well as the NO SURRENDER OR YOU’LL DIE banner.

Bisgrove is big on digital engagement and will be well aware of the content and social media reaction.

With BBC Scotland and STV choosing to ignore the banners Bisgrove is probably hoping to ride the issue out but UEFA are unlikely to be as compliant.