Simon Jordan, the former owner of Crystal Palace Football Club, has questioned the police involvement at Rangers Football Club after a recent incident. Jordan, who is known for his outspoken views on football-related matters, expressed his concerns on a popular sports radio show.
Jordan’s comments came after Rangers’ recent match against Celtic, where police were deployed in large numbers to maintain order. While the police presence was intended to prevent any potential trouble between the two sets of fans, Jordan questioned whether the level of involvement was necessary.
“I think it’s a bit over the top, to be honest,” Jordan said. “I understand that there’s a history of trouble between Rangers and Celtic fans, but do we really need to have that many police officers at the game? It’s a football match, not a war zone.”
Jordan’s comments sparked a lively debate among football fans and pundits, with some agreeing that the police presence was excessive, while others argued that it was necessary to prevent any potential trouble.
Rangers Football Club has a complex and sometimes contentious relationship with the police. The club has been involved in several high-profile incidents in recent years, including a pitch invasion by fans during a match against Hibernian in 2016.
The Scottish Police Federation has defended the level of policing at Rangers matches, arguing that it is necessary to prevent disorder and ensure public safety. However, Jordan’s comments have raised questions about whether the police are being too heavy-handed in their approach.
“It’s a delicate balance,” said Jordan. “You want to make sure that fans are safe and that there’s no trouble, but at the same time, you don’t want to create a situation where fans feel like they’re being treated like criminals. I think the police need to take a more nuanced approach.”
The debate over police involvement at Rangers matches is likely to continue, with Jordan’s comments adding fuel to the fire. While some may agree with his views, others will argue that the police are necessary to maintain order and prevent trouble. Ultimately, the key is finding a balance between ensuring public safety and respecting the rights of fans to enjoy the match.