Rangers and the Famous ICF: My Life With Scotland's Most-Feared Football Hooligan Gang (32 page)

I once played for Rangers, for the youth team, and my medal haul was pretty impressive, as you can

Some of the boys from the early 1980s. Brucie is second from the left while Walesey, a cult figure in the mob, is second from the right. RIP wee man, you were a legend.

The Loyalist

I have always had a strong commitment to the Loyalist cause and I have visited Northern Ireland on several occasions.

Next to a Belfast mural commemorating those who have fought and died for the cause.

Wearing a bulletproof vest in a Belfast safe house, 1999.

Life didn’t mean life! I have had three life bans from Ibrox but thanks to a change of heart on the part of Rangers I am now allowed to go and watch games again.

The ICF in action

Heading for High Street after an Old Firm game, hunting for Celtic.

Taking on Aberdeen in George Square, one bank-holiday weekend.

I am in among the Rangers fans in Belgrade, where we played Red Star. You can just about make me out: I am close to the RAF flag, next to the guy with the white T-shirt.

During the 1998 World Cup the press alleged that the Scottish National Firm were fascists. We thought we would play along with their ridiculous allegations and so we got together for this collective salute.

I have always considered Shettleston to be my spiritual home and to carry an ICF/Union flag with its name was an honour.

In January 2011 the ICF and some of our pals, many of whom are normal Rangers fans, gathered at Ibrox for this photograph. We had come together to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the Ibrox disaster, in which sixty-six Rangers fans tragically lost their lives. Rangers didn’t have a clue who we were or why we were there.

That day in January 2011 was special for all of us, because we are all genuine Rangers fans, despite what the media will tell you. We really wanted to honour the dead of the Ibrox disaster and I hope this wreath and our floral tributes do just that.