PHILIPPE Clement has urged Rangers fans not to use fireworks during Sunday’s Viaplay Cup semi-final match against Hearts at Hampden Park.
The Belgian urged Ibrox supporters to focus on supporting his players on the field after the clinching Premiership game against Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday night was temporarily halted due to flares triggering fire alarms in the Bob Shankly Stand.
The massive protest was condemned by Police Scotland, the Scottish Football League, the Scottish government, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and major stakeholders in the game in this country are set to meet in the coming weeks to discuss the growing problem.
Clement, who took over at Ibrox from Michael Beale last month, is aware that showpiece cup matches at Hampden frequently see the hardcore element of a club’s fanbase organize a coordinated display.
READ MORE: SFA & SPFL Hampden pyro alert following flares thrown by Rangers fans
The 49-year-old, whose team won their midweek match 5-0 once play resumed to remain five points behind Celtic at the top of the league table, is concerned for the safety of fans and has stated that flares and smoke bombs are neither necessary nor desirable at football.
“I think I was clear with what I said after the game,” he was quoted as saying. “I liked how we arrived in Dundee; there were a lot of supporters and a lot of atmosphere.” The songs and chants energise the team.
“But we don’t need the pyro.” It does not provide anything extra. It’s perilous. So if they give me everything else, I’ll be a very happy manager.”
“It [pyro displays] used to happen more [in my own career],” Clement added. It’s a good thing there are rules. It’s perilous. We must avoid it.
“I’ve seen it a lot before. But it’s a good thing there are strict rules because we need to keep people safe.”
READ MORE: Rangers send pyro message as club warns ultras about ‘risking arrest’
Meanwhile, Clement confirmed that Rangers center half Ben Davies missed the Dundee game and was replaced by Leon Balogun due to a minor injury.
“He had a small problem,” he explained. “The medical staff warned me that playing him could be dangerous. I don’t want to take chances in those situations only to lose a player for several weeks.
“However, we got a good win.” It’s always good to have faith, but it’s never a guarantee. We are aware that the game against Hearts will be difficult. We must maintain our current course of action.
“We’re just focused on the game, not on the hardware.” We’re just concentrating on what needs to be done, with and without the ball.”
