Union Bears blast 'restrictive and outdated rules' as last-gasp appeal issued after Remembrance tifo refused
The ultras group have previously displayed tifos on their travels to mark the occasion
The Union Bears have confirmed that a planned Remembrance Sunday tifo has been denied access for the Scottish Premiership clash against Dundee - with the fan group hopeful their opponents will perform a late U-turn.
The Tayside club have informed the Light Blues that the display will not be allowed into Dens Park due to their strict ruled prohibiting any tifo or banner display from rivals supporters, irrespective of the message.
The group have since gone public against the decision and have pleaded with decision-makers in the City of Discovery to bin “restrictive and outdated rules” and change their stance.
The ultras group previously displayed tifos away from home on Remembrance Sunday, moat recently against Livingston back in 2023.
A statement released by the group on Friday evening read: “This Sunday, the Union Bears have prepared a tifo to commemorate Remembrance Day and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, as we proudly do every year.
“Unfortunately, we have been informed that Dundee FC will not permit the display of this tifo, citing a strict policy that prevents away supporters from displaying any form of tifo, regardless of its purpose.
“Once again, we are faced with restrictive and outdated rules from clubs intent on limiting supporter expression and fan culture. Countless hours of work and significant expense have gone into creating a meaningful tribute to remember our fallen heroes.
“While we recognise that Dundee will pay their respects in their own way, we are simply asking for the opportunity to do the same. We urge Dundee FC to apply common sense by reconsidering this decision.”
What has Jack Butland said pre-Dundee?
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Butland said: “As players, as individuals, you have to stand up to it - experienced boys leading by example, trying to perform themselves and help the others out.
“And ultimately around the building here, picking people up today, because I'm sure there'll be a few that are feeling a bit low. But we have to go again, and we have to bounce back from that.
“That's the responsibility of an experienced player in this group, to process the disappointment of last night and pick everyone up. Pick everyone up, be positive, because there's a game around the corner that we need to win. I fully believe that we will do.
“Experienced players lead by example, pick the lads up that need it today, and go again with an opportunity to play for this club and get three wins in a row in the league and create some positivity in that sense and kick on after the break.”