Football spectating in the 1960’s and 1970’s was a completely different scenario compared to the pampered luxuries of the modern day game. In January 1971, Ted Heath was some seven months into his Premiership. Decimalisation was imminent (Feb 1971) but entry to the European Union was still two years distant. Average weekly earnings for manual workers was £28. A ticket for the Old Firm game was six shillings (30p) with a match day programme costing one shilling. (5p) The wintry weather on that day was grim - foggy and frosty with a real nip in the air. If it had been any other game but the Big Match, it would probably have been postponed. As it later turned out, the under-foot conditions pretty much spoiled the game.
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Reverend Stuart McQuarrie on the Ibrox Disaster and the importance of commemorating the 66 Rangers fans who died
Rangers supporter Richard Mackie and his son Ryley, eight, pictured at Ibrox stadium today THE service that was planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster tomorrow has, like everything in Scottish football since March, been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Only four officials will be able to commemorate the tragic death of 66 Rangers supporters on Stairway 13 on January 2, 1971, at the stadium due to social distancing restrictions. Yet, Reverend Stuart McQuarrie, the club chaplain who conducts the annual ceremony at the John Greig statue at the corner of the Bill Struth Main Stand and the Copland Road Stand, is hopeful that a larger gathering will be held when society returns to normality in 2021.
In the absence of a service this year, additional digital and matchday tributes will be on display tomorrow and the club will continue to support and liaise with families via the Always Remembered communication channel. The club have also asked supporters to stay away from the stadium due to current level four restrictions. We understand that normally a lot of people would visit the stadium on January 2 to pay their own tributes and leave a token of respect, the statement continued. Unfortunately we must respectfully ask supporters and individuals not to visit the stadium this year as government guidelines related to the Covid-19 pandemic restrict non-essential travel.