Forget about the referee, Rangers FC fans should be banned for such act. Jimmy Thelin slammed rangers fans
Jimmy Thelin did not hide his frustration after the match, but he was clear about one thing: the referee was not the issue. Instead, the Aberdeen manager turned his attention firmly toward the Rangers FC supporters, whose behaviour he described as unacceptable and damaging to Scottish football. In a strongly worded post-match response, Thelin insisted that actions from the stands had crossed a line and should be met with serious consequences, including potential bans.
“Forget about the referee,” Thelin said bluntly. “What happened in the stands is a far bigger problem.” His comments came after a heated encounter at Ibrox in which sections of the crowd were accused of engaging in offensive chanting and behaviour that overshadowed the football itself. While Rangers emerged from the match with a result to debate, Thelin made it clear that no sporting outcome could excuse what he felt was a stain on the game.
Thelin’s reaction stood out because managers often choose to deflect attention away from fan behaviour, especially at historically intense grounds like Ibrox. Instead, he confronted the issue head-on. According to Thelin, the atmosphere created by certain supporters went beyond passion or rivalry and entered territory that made players, staff, and even neutral observers uncomfortable. “Football is emotional,” he said, “but there are limits. When those limits are ignored, the game suffers.”
Calls for sanctions against fans are always controversial, particularly when they involve a club with a global following like Rangers. Many supporters argue that the actions of a minority should not define an entire fanbase. However, Thelin was adamant that repeated incidents demand firm action. In his view, warnings and fines have failed to change behaviour, and stronger measures are now necessary. “If nothing changes, then bans have to be considered,” he stated, emphasising that accountability is essential if Scottish football wants to protect its image.
The incident has once again sparked debate about crowd control and responsibility within the Scottish Premiership. Clubs are expected to work closely with the authorities to identify individuals responsible for misconduct, but critics argue that enforcement is inconsistent. Thelin’s comments have added pressure on governing bodies to act decisively rather than issue familiar statements condemning behaviour without meaningful follow-up.
From a footballing perspective, Thelin also highlighted how such behaviour impacts players on the pitch. He noted that young players, in particular, can be deeply affected by hostile environments that cross into abuse. “We talk about developing talent and protecting mental health,” he said. “But how can we do that if this is allowed to continue?” His remarks echoed a growing concern across Europe about the psychological toll of extreme fan conduct.
Rangers FC, as a club, now find themselves under scrutiny once again. While the club has often condemned unacceptable behaviour and pledged cooperation with investigations, critics argue that stronger internal measures are needed to deter repeat incidents. Thelin stopped short of directly blaming the club itself, but his message was clear: responsibility ultimately lies with those in charge of maintaining order and standards.
The reaction to Thelin’s comments has been mixed. Some pundits praised his honesty and courage, arguing that more managers should speak out instead of hiding behind clichés. Others accused him of inflaming tensions and unfairly targeting Rangers supporters as a whole. Yet, regardless of opinion, his words have ensured the issue cannot be brushed aside.
In the end, Jimmy Thelin’s stance was about more than one match or one set of fans. It was a call to protect the integrity of the sport. By saying “forget about the referee,” he shifted the conversation to a deeper problem facing football culture. Whether authorities act on his call for bans remains to be seen, but his message was unmistakable: passion should never be an excuse for behaviour that harms the game.
