‘Sir Tommy Robinson’ banner sparks controversy at Rangers match

Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon thanked those who unfurled the flag on his Instagram account

Outrage was sparked on Saturday after a flag depicting Tommy Robinson - real name Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon - was unfurled at a football match between Rangers and St. Mirren. The former leader of the English Defence League posted a picture of the flag on his Instagram account, which is set to private, earlier this week. "A thank you to these Rangers fans today," his statement read. A spokesman for Rangers said: “This banner was taken down as soon as it was spotted.” Show Racism the Red Card (Scotland) tweeted that: “Tommy Robinson and his views are as unwelcome in Scottish football grounds as they are in Scottish society.” The administrators of a Twitter account called Football Lads & Lasses Against Fascism - the antidote to the right-wing 'Football Lads Alliance' - said “These eejits brought a Tommy Robinson banner to Ibrox on Sat. Rangers fans who oppose this s**t need to get a grip of it.” It's not the first time in recent history that the far-right agitator has been publicly hailed by football fans. Earlier this season, a group of fans at Luton Town were urged by the club not to sing his name in the stands.