Have you any idea how much damage was done to the reputation of Scotland by those thugs supporting Rangers (your report, 15 May)?
Forget the rampaging violence by a few hundred, this was terrible enough, but what was truly bizarre were the songs they were singing.
How on earth, in 2008, can there still be people up there abusing the Irish in a manner that would have been un
forgivable 50 years ago. And, when challenged, they defended their foulness, saying things like: "What's the problem? The Germans hate the Turks, the Londoners hate the Asians, and, anyway," as one of them triumphantly said, "you were bombed by the IRA in Manchester. You should be on our side."
I, and everyone else I know, was simply appalled.
PETER FOWLER
Address supplied As a football fan who was on holiday in Seville when Celtic played Porto in the 2003 UEFA Cup final, I saw self-policing in action and impressive restraint in defeat; a lot of beer drunk and no trouble.
The contrast with Wednesday night could not be more stark. Instead of a UEFA bauble, Rangers should be given a European ban.
Instead of Scottish fans and politicians taking the easy way out – blaming the Manchester authorities or the police and perpetuating a debilitating victim mindset – some serious questions should be asked about the violent and bigoted support that attaches itself to Rangers. Until then the club and its support will continue to exist in a dangerous time-warp.
JOHN SANDERS
College Road
Manchester The full article contains 256 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
