RANGERS captain James Tavernier has penned an open letter to fans imploring them to support the players when they take the knee.
The defender has written to season ticket holders urging them to back the anti-racism gesture.
The Englishman makes clear that the team are not supporting a specific political movement, but are aiming to highlight and combat discrimination in society.
The symbol was the source of controversy in England ahead of Euro 2020, with some fans booing the players as they made the gesture.
Here is the letter in full.
Tavernier writes: “The last 16 months have been difficult, right across the world. Every single person has been impacted, with some losing their very lives from Covid. We cannot forget that we must use this opportunity to create as much positivity and unity within our famous ground.
“We brought home ‘55’ last season, in almost record time. However, there were some dark and difficult moments along the way. Sadly, at some stage during the season, every one of our BAME players received racist abuse online. That is a sad indictment on society and shows just how much work still needs to be done to eradicate it. Add in the fact one of our players received sickening racist abuse on the pitch. Racism is a problem in football, that is an inarguable fact.
“As a team and as a club, we must not only stand up against racism, but fight against it – every single day. Whenever our players were abused last season, the way in which our fanbase stood behind us was nothing short of amazing."
Letter from Club Captain, James Tavernier:
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 30, 2021
He adds: “Many people have given arguments for and against certain political organisations. Arguments against their actions, and what they purport to stand for. I’ve no interest in all that, neither do my teammates or coaching staff. We will take the knee to stand against racism, nothing more, and nothing less.
“That is why we will take the knee prior to our games. This is a very simple, but we hope, effective gesture. It is a symbolic stance against racism, nothing more and nothing less.
“At the start of each game this season, and throughout the 90 minutes, please show the world exactly why you are a special fan base. Support every player who is proud to wear the badge of the famous RFC.
“We are as strong as strong can be.
“I cannot wait to hear you roar from the stands of Ibrox Park.”
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