Cheeky Dons fans are planning to applaud Rangers FC in the 12th minute of Sunday’s game in a nod to the year that the ‘old’ club folded.
Posters have been put up around Aberdeen and are circulating on social media urging the Dandies supporters to sarcastically commemorate the 2012 “passing of the club formerly known as Rangers”.
This Sunday’s game marks the first time the two teams have met since Rangers rejoined the top flight premiership.
The Glasgow based club was liquidated at the end of the 2011/12 season and its assets were handed over to a new company – Sevco – which was later renamed Rangers Football Club and was relegated to the lower leagues.
The taunting posters, which reads ‘RIP Rangers 1872 – 2012″, come amid fears over serious tensions between fans ahead of the premiership clash.
Police have already warned supporters that extra resources will be deployed at Pittodrie as more than 20,000 people are expected to attend the match.
Dog handlers and mounted officers are expected to police the game.
But tensions were already flaring yesterday as the controversial posters appeared in the city centre and were shared online hundreds of times on social media.
One poster that was photographed in the Castlegate area of the city was torn down in a matter of hours as fans exchanged bitter comments over Twitter and on football forums.
The contentious poster states: “To mark the arrival of ‘Rangers’ to Pittodrie for the first time we’d like to ‘commemorate’ the passing of the club formerly known as Rangers.
“We would encourage all Aberdeen fans to arrive early to Pittodrie and you are asked to applaud enthusiastically on the 12th minute in memory of Rangers.
“Rangers, you are with the angels now…
“The name of Rangers we used to abhor, but joyously, you’re not Rangers any more.”
Police issued a stark warning ahead of the game earlier this week, stating that any disorder would be handled “firmly and robustly”.
Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson said: “My warning is clear – any form of anti-social behaviour whether it involves sectarianism, violence or disorder is completely unnecessary, completely unwanted and will not be tolerated.
“If you are intent on causing trouble whether it be within the stadium, in your city or town, your local pub, your home or even online, you will be caught.
“Don’t think because you haven’t been caught at the time you’ve got away with it – retrospective enquiries will also be carried out to identify those responsible for any crimes committed.”
A spokesman for Aberdeen FC added: “People will obviously be excited as they are passionate about football and it is up to us to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the matchday experience.
“We are sure they will and we look forward to Rangers return to Pittodrie, and anticipate a great day.”
