Rangers Condemn Fire Attack on Statue of Walter Smith Outside Ibrox

A statue of Rangers legend Walter Smith was targeted in a shocking fire attack in the early hours of Friday morning, according to The Scottish Sun, with the club since condemning the situation in an official statement on Friday.

Fire crews were called to the scene shortly before 1am after the bronze statue of Smith, located at the east corner of Ibrox in the Edmiston Drive area of Glasgow, was set alight.

Footage shared online showed orange flames engulfing part of the statue, which depicts the former Rangers manager with his arms raised in celebration. The fire is believed to have started on the statue’s shoulder.

The Scottish Sun reports that refuse was set alight and thrown onto the figure, with burning debris later falling onto the plinth below.

Local police confirmed they were alerted to the incident around 9.15am following reports of fire damage, with enquiries still at an early stage.

Walter Smith Statue ‘Set on Fire’

Footage shared on social media showed bright orange flames coming from the upper section of the Walter Smith statue outside Ibrox.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, quoted by The Scottish Sun, said:

The tribute to Smith was put up at Ibrox in May last year, with his wife Ethel, sons Neil and Steven and other family members helping to unveil the monument.

Rangers condemned the attack in an offcial statement on Friday.

Smith was one of the most successful managers in Rangers history, having won 21 major trophies, including 10 league titles, and taking the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2008.

He managed Rangers in two spells, from 1991 to 1998 and from 2007 to 2011, and also served as Graeme Souness’ assistant for almost five seasons.

Smith passed away in 2021, the same year Rangers clinched their first top-flight title since his final season in charge in 2011.

Steven Gerrard, who led the club to Premiership glory in 2021, is now looks set to return to Ibrox for his second stint as manager.