James Tavernier urges fans to back players taking the knee

Rangers captain James Tavernier has written an open letter to fans asking them to support players taking the knee.

In a letter published on the club website, the defender said that players would continue to take the knee in order to stand against racism.

Tavernier explained that every one of Rangers’ BAME players were sent racial abuse online during last season.

Glen Kamara was also subjected to racial abuse during the club’s Europa League match against Slavia Prague.

Letter from Club Captain, James Tavernier:
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 30, 2021

“We brought home ‘55’ last season, in almost record time. However, there were some dark and difficult moments along the way,” Tavernier wrote.

“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.”

“It is a symbolic stance against racism, nothing more and nothing less.”
James Tavernier, Rangers captain

Tavernier said that the gesture of taking the knee is a “symbolic” one against racism.

He wrote: “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.”

The Rangers captain said that he cannot wait to hear the roar of the fans at Ibrox.

He added: “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.”