Scottish Football Legends Criticize Rangers Over Daily Record Ban  

High profile figures in Scottish football have spoken out against Rangers FC after the Daily Record became the latest newspaper to be banned by its local football club because of its reporting.

The paper reported that it been sent an email and fax on Monday by the club’s chief executive saying the newspaper was not welcome at Ibrox or Murray Park for matches and press conferences “following recent reporting by your journalists.”

Former Rangers captain and Scotland international Barry Ferguson hit out at the move in his column in the Daily Record this week highlighting the work the paper had to done to bring important information into the public domain.  

The move follows similar bans from local clubs for the Swindon Advertiser and a year-long ban for the Newcastle Chronicle and sister titles which was lifted in December.

Craig Houston, Rangers supporters group Sons of Struth spokesman, said: “All Rangers supporters should be deeply disturbed that this latest development.

“The Daily Record, perhaps more than any other newspaper, has exposed what has been going on behind the scenes at our club – particularly over the last four years. As fans, we should thanks the Record for telling us all the things the board would rather have kept secret.”

He continued: “What worries me is that this is a mirror image of what goes on at Newcastle United, where papers are frequently banned from the club. That is why Rangers fans should be concerned.

“What we don’t want are selected journalists or selected newspapers operating in a climate where they are threatened with bans for writing something the club disagrees with. The thought of a ban is despicable in what is supposed to be a free country with freedom of speech.”

Daily Record editor Murray Foote said: “We’re disappointed by this ban but will continue our robust, fair and accurate reporting of Rangers.”