THIS is the shocking moment the statue of Walter Smith outside Ibrox was targeted in a blaze attack.
Rangers strongly condemned the “shameful behaviour”, with work underway to return the statue to good condition.
The statue of Walter Smith outside Ibrox was set on fire this morningSupplied
SuppliedFootage shows bright orange flames coming from the bronze figure[/caption]
Fire crews were scrambled to the scene before 1am this morning as the statue of the football icon was set alight.
Footage shows bright orange flames coming from the bronze figure which stands at the east corner of the stadium, near New Edmiston House and overlooks Edmiston Drive.
The tribute shows Smith with arms raised aloft, and the fire appeared to be set on the shoulder of the Ibrox icon.
It’s understood that a scarf was set alight and thrown on the statue.
Burnt parts of the scarf fell away and then landed on the marble plinth.
Police were then called to the scene just after 9am this morning following a report of fire damage to the statue.
Officers confirmed that enquiries are at an early stage.
A spokesperson for Rangers said: “Rangers FC is aware of an incident at the Walter Smith statue last night, and strongly condemns this shameful behaviour.
“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 FC Fan Advisory Board also hit out at the blaze attack and said: “A line was crossed last night in the shameful, shocking and senseless attack on the Walter Smith statue at Ibrox.
“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.”
Football fans across Scotland have also been left outraged by the act of vandalism.
One person said: “Mindless disgusting idiotic act to a Scottish and Rangers legend.”
Another fan wrote: “I cannot believe what I’m seeing.”
A third commented: “Disgusting. I’m a Celtic fan who met Walter Smith, he was the loveliest man. Proper gentleman.”
And a fourth added: “Why? What is the point? The man did a lot for football and was an icon for thousands. Have some respect.”
While a fifth fan wrote: “Hope they catch the animals.”
The tribute to Walter Smith was put up at Ibrox in May 2024 in a poignant ceremony.
His wife Ethel, sons Neil and Steven and family helped unveil a statue dedicated to the club’s legendary manager who died in 2021.
It was designed and created by Queen Elizabeth sculptor Douglas Jennings and commissioned by the club.
The image of ‘Walter Smith O.B.E.’ stands on top of a marble plinth inscribed with Smith’s record as manager and assistant.
PASmith won 21 honours during two spells at Ibrox as boss and seven more as Graeme Souness’ assistant[/caption]
PAWalter Smith with the Scottish Premier League Trophy in 2011[/caption]
John KirkbyThe tribute to Walter Smith was put up at Ibrox in May 2024 in a poignant ceremony[/caption]
He won 21 honours during two spells at Ibrox as boss and seven more as Graeme Souness’ assistant.
A childhood Gers fan before becoming a title-winning boss, Smith would attend games as a youngster on the Copland Road terrace at Ibrox and make his way into the old ground around the spot his statue now stands.
We have just said the following on our channels:
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.15am on Friday, 10 October, 2025, we received a report of fire damage to a statue in the Edmiston Drive area of Glasgow.
“Enquiries are at an early stage.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 00.48am on Friday, 10 October to reports of a fire in the open near Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow.
“Operations Control mobilised one appliance to the city’s Edmiston Drive, where firefighters extinguished a fire involving a quantity of refuse and worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene.”
It comes after Rangers will formally open talks with Steven Gerrard over a stunning return to Ibrox.
The Liverpool and England legend left the club for Aston Villa four years ago but we told you on Tuesday how he IS interested in a sensational return to Glasgow.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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