Rangers chiefs plan to topple Celtic and Hearts with summer transfer spree

Rangers and Celtic fan groups have each criticised Police Scotland’s handling of Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox, while Chief Constable Jo Farrell has urged the clubs to "eliminate" ultras groups.

Rangers and Celtic told to take tickets from ultras groups

Two prominent Rangers fan groups earlier claimed Police Scotland’s handling of the game was “wholly inadequate” and “created unnecessary risks for our fans”.

The Rangers Fan Advisory Board and Rangers Supporters Association issued a joint statement claiming “little or no attempt” had been made to stop Celtic fans invading the pitch and criticised a “chronic lack of segregation” outside the ground.

The statement added: “The handling of this fixture, from ticketing and allocation decisions to policing arrangements, fell far below an acceptable standard and breached an expected duty of care.”

It was the first time since 2018 that Celtic fans had being allocated the full 7,500-seat Broomloan Stand, and The Celtic Fans Collective, which represents hundreds of smaller groups, claimed supporters had experienced “dangerous conditions” on the way into Ibrox Stadium.

Police chief Farrell, speaking at the Scottish Parliament’s public audit committee meeting, was asked if the clubs should withhold tickets from ultras groups in the future.

"That would seem like an obvious action that needs to be considered and taken by the clubs.

"How do they ensure the safety of their broader fan base and eliminate those individuals who come in and have prepared the balaclavas and the pyrotechnics in order with the intent of causing disruption, harm to those other people around them."

Rangers currently sit one point behind Celtic in the Premiership, which is now their last chance at silverware this season after Sunday's defeat, with leaders Hearts a further five points ahead of the Hoops.

Despite the possibility of another season without a trophy however, sources understand Rangers have no plans to sack Danny Rohl and instead plan to offer him major backing this summer.

Rangers hatch plan to topple Premiership leaders

Indeed, a report from MailSport has added further backing for the German, revealing club chiefs want to give him a full pre-season to rebuild his squad and implement his ideas.

They expect to spend big in the transfer window, with a 'major' spree planned to make the Gers' squad 'unrecognisable'.

Football FanCast reported last week the Gers are hoping to make Mikey Moore's deal permanent, but Tottenham's possible relegation could complicate matters, with the Premier League outfit more likely to want the teenager to stay put if they go down.

A centre-back and right-back are also believed to be on the agenda, with questions persisting over James Tavernier's future.

Come the opening week of the season Rohl could have an entirely new look to his defence, while improvements are also expected up front with little support alongside Youssef Chermiti.

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