Rangers have condemned a “shameful” act that saw the bronze statue honouring club legend Walter Smith targeted in a fire attack outside Ibrox Stadium in the early hours of Friday morning.
The incident occurred around 12.48am when someone set a scarf ablaze and hurled it at the monument.
Video footage captured bright orange flames engulfing the shoulder area of the statue, which stands at the east corner of the stadium overlooking Edmiston Drive.
Fire crews rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and make the area safe before departing.
Video footage online shows the Walter Smith statue ablaze outside Ibrox Stadium
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Police have now launched an investigation. Officers confirmed they are looking into the fire damage to the statue in the Edmiston Drive area, with enquiries still in their early stages.
Rangers FC quickly responded with a strongly-worded statement condemning what they called “shameful behaviour”.
“Rangers FC is aware of an incident at the Walter Smith statue last night, and strongly condemns this shameful behaviour,” a spokesman for the club said.
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The Walter Smith statue was erected in 2024 after his death in 2021
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“The matter has been reported to Police Scotland, and work is underway to ensure the site is cleaned and returned to good condition.”
The Rangers Fan Advisory Board did not hold back in their response, declaring that “a line was crossed” with this attack.
The board said: “A line was crossed last night in the shameful, shocking and senseless attack on the Walter Smith statue at Ibrox.
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“Walter was not just a Rangers legend, he served the Scottish football community as a whole with dedication and pride over many decades.
“We call on anyone with any information on the lowlife who carried out these cowardly actions to contact the club.
“We have already seen the open mocking of the 66 in recent months resulting in punishment from our courts and we hope the individual responsible for this disgusting episode is also dealt with accordingly.”
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Walter Smith won 21 major trophies during his two spells at the club that totalled 11 years
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The statue, unveiled in May 2024, honours one of Rangers’ most successful managers who passed away in October 2021 aged 73.
Smith led the club to 21 major trophies during two spells at Ibrox, including ten league titles, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
He first arrived as assistant to Graeme Souness in 1986, taking over as manager before leaving in 1998. After a stint as Scotland boss, he returned to Rangers in 2007 and retired from management in 2011.
All they’ve achieved with this is now there will be a tit for tat with their statues
Braindead people trying to burn bronze 😂
Idiots pic.twitter.com/HfDQaYZN3b
— Rangers Spares (@Rangers_Spares_) October 10, 2025
The bronze memorial, created by sculptor Douglas Jennings, shows Smith with his arms raised in celebration.
The news comes as Rangers currently find themselves in a management crisis. New boss Russell Martin lasted just 123 days and 17 games at the helm before being dismissed, with the club winning just one league game out of seven.
Former manager Steven Gerrard, who won the Gers’ most recent league title and did so without losing a game in 2021, has been linked with a sensational return.
Both the 45-year-old and the club’s new ownership are said to be keen on initiating talks, although a deal looks difficult. Gerrard remains settled in Bahrain with his family despite leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January.