STV NewsRangers supporters group The Union Bears blasted the football club and police over an “abuse of power” at the recent Old Firm match in Glasgow.
It comes as officers denied almost 100 football fans entry to Celtic park under stop and search powers on March 16.
Union Bears released a statement on social media addressing the action and urging the club to engage with supporters in a “meaningful way”.
“Despite repeated attempts to liaise with Rangers, it has been made clear that they have no desire to engage with their supporters in any meaningful way,” the statement read.
“The club’s silence speaks volumes – they appear solely interested in demonising supporters rather than standing in their defence.”
The fan group confirmed they had begun pursuing legal advice for the supporters affected.
“We have not pursued legal advice for all those subjected to this overreach and have formally challenged both the legitimacy of implementing this Section 60 order without proper justification and the questionable legality of the search and seizure tactics employed,” the statement said.
Union Bears went on to demand Rangers break its silence on the matter and “publicly acknowledge this abuse of power”.
“We demand that the club break its silence, publicly acknowledge this abuse of power, and exert its influence to compel Police Scotland to account for their actions and explain how they could possibly justify the imposition of such measures against supporters,” it read.
Police Scotland released a statement following the match saying the group “posed a threat to the safety of people within the stadium and to the public” due to possible possession of weapons and pyrotechnics.
As part of the wider policing operation a 20-year-old man was arrested for an alleged police officer assault on approach to the stadium.
For the game at Celtic Park, police were granted extra powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
The act allows officers to stop and search people where “appropriate and necessary” either in vehicles or on foot.
The power, which is only authorised when “absolutely necessary”, also allows officers to order the removal of any item they believe is being used to wholly or partly conceal someone’s identity.
Celtic FC released a statement earlier this week saying it had received complaints from fans regarding the police operation surrounding the match.
The club added that it would be holding talks with supporters and Police Scotland to understand the circumstances and events.
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
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