Rangers announce new ultras section in seating update for next season

Rangers have announced that their ultras fan group, the Union Bears, will be relocated from the beginning of next season.

The Union Bears will be moved from their current spot at the bottom left corner of the Broomloan Road to behind the goal in the Copland Front from the start of the 2024/25 season.

The Copland Front is traditionally known as the ‘Rangers end’ because Rangers normally shoot towards that end in the second half of home matches.

In a statement, the Union Bears said: “Following successful trials throughout the last 18 months, we can confirm that the Union Bears will be located in the Copland Front next season.

“During these trials we showcased a small glimpse of what benefit this move could have and would like to thank fellow fans for their support during this time.

“We've always believed that the active Rangers fan scene should be at the heart of ‘the Rangers end' and anticipate now unlocking the full potential this opportunity gives not only us as a group but the Rangers fan scene as a whole.

“We have been encouraged in recent weeks to see positive feedback from the club, players, and manager alike. We now look forward to not only repaying the trust in today's decision but continuing to provide the support from the stands as we go into the vital second half of the season.”

Moving the Union Bears to the Copland Front will affect 600 current season ticket holders. Rangers will relocate the affected fans to a new cantilever that will be built at the front of the Copland Rear.

In a statement, the club said: “Those being displaced will have the first opportunity to renew within the new cantilever, and they will also be automatically offered seats beside their current friendship and family groups, should they be impacted by the changes.

“Supporters who move to the new cantilever section are sure to enjoy the upgrade to these fantastic new seats. Of course, that change may not be the preference of individuals, and in those circumstances, they will have priority for seat moves following season ticket renewal.”

Included in the seating update for next season by Rangers was also the announcement of a new disabled section located in the rear of the Copland Front from the start of next season.

This new section will include 153 wheelchair-accessible spaces, which is higher than any other stadium in the Scottish Premiership.

Recent banner controversy

Now that the group have been moved, that has coincided with some controversy around the views of the Union Bears.

During the Europa League tie with Fenerbahce at Ibrox, a banner holding “Keep woke foreign ideologies out, defend Europe” was seen in the Copland Front. This led to an investigation by UEFA and a strongly worded statement by the club, calling the small section of supporters “embarrassing.”

Furthermore, the club told any supporter who shares similar views that they should disassociate with the club immediately, stressing the point that Rangers and Ibrox are open spaces to all.

Here is the statement about that particular incident below:

“It is deeply saddening and frankly embarrassing that the club is now set to face significant sanctions for the actions of a very small minority.

“Firstly, the club has been charged by UEFA after a handful of supporters displayed what UEFA describe as a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” at last Thursday’s Ibrox meeting with Fenerbahce.

“Rangers is a modern, progressive football club, and we are fiercely proud of our diverse playing squads, workforce and support. For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters.

“This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences.

“For the avoidance of doubt, if you do not believe in 2025 that absolutely everyone is welcome to follow Rangers whether at Ibrox or away, then Rangers is not the club for you, and you should disassociate yourself with the club immediately.”