The protest consisted of anti-SNP chanting and the unfurling of 3 banners namely;
"Undefinable Laws Against Supporters"
"SNP Weak On Criminals - Tough on Fans"
"Football Fans Not Criminals"
The protest was not challenged by the police and passed peacefully, with other sections of the Rangers support showing unity with the message of the protest.
For clarity, there are several reasons why we feel we must make a stand on this issue. We are protesting against the implementation of the 'Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill' as proposed by the current SNP government. This bill discriminates against football fans, singling out a demographic of the population for specific laws. The implementation of the bill means that almost any football supporter, whether you be vocal in support of your team or not, could be subject to arrest without significant police evidence of any actual offence caused.
The criminalisation of football supporters threatens the game which we all love. Supporters attending a football match will now be met with fear of arrest, losing your job and being named in newspapers despite not yet having your court case heard.
The Union Bears and The Blue Order would like to make it clear we are against Sectarianism and Racism in all forms. We feel current legislation covers offences of these matters and further legislation is neither necessary nor required. We believe this action is being used for political gain, and being supported by police officers in order to preserve their level of responsibility and therefore preserve their level of funding in what are economically challenging times.
We have all seen that our supporters are subject to unnecessary harassment from police officers and we have and will continue to work with the Rangers Supporters working group on resolving these matters.
In a completely separate incident tonight, around 100 supporters in the BF1 section walked out in protest at the heavy handed stewarding and policing which took place within that section at the match. The groups have issued a complaint to the police and the club and this will be dealt with in due course. We would like to thank the rest of the Rangers family for the support shown towards the group regarding this matter.
Astonishingly, the whole reason for the stewards getting involved was a young supporter in the section having a water bottle in the ground. One which he had cleared with another steward before entering and was told wouldn't be a problem.
Further to this incident was a situation where mounted Police outside the stadium charged at young supporters including one who was disabled. He was told by the mounted officers to run.
We will be taking further protest action in forthcoming matches, and would urge you all to stand with us as we fight the injustice against the supporters of Rangers Football Club. We will issue another statement prior to the game on Saturday, which will detail how we wish to have your support.
Supporting Your Team Is not a Crime.
No Surrender
The Union Bears and The Blue Order