Yes, Catholics can and do play for Rangers Football Club. The club no longer maintains any unofficial policies regarding the religious background of its players or staff.
Historical Context of Rangers' Policy
Historically, Rangers Football Club had an unofficial, yet widely acknowledged, policy concerning the recruitment of Catholic players. From approximately the 1920s onwards, the club implemented a practice of generally not signing Catholic players or employing Catholics in other roles within the club. This stance contributed to the deeply rooted sectarianism within Scottish football, particularly in Glasgow, home to the intense rivalry between Rangers and Celtic.
Despite repeated denials by several of the club's directors, this unofficial policy persisted for decades. However, from the 1970s onwards, Rangers came under increasing social and media scrutiny and pressure to change its discriminatory stance. This public and media pressure played a significant role in challenging the historical barriers at the club.
The Shift in Policy and Present Day
The unofficial policy was eventually abandoned, marking a pivotal moment in the club's history and Scottish football in general. A key turning point often cited is the signing of Maurice Johnston in 1989. Johnston, a prominent Catholic former Celtic player, becoming a Rangers player was a highly symbolic act that effectively broke this long-standing barrier.
Today, Rangers recruits players based solely on their footballing ability, regardless of their religious beliefs or background. The club is committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting modern football's global nature.
Notable Catholic Players at Rangers
Since the policy change, numerous Catholic players have proudly represented Rangers. Their presence underscores the club's current inclusive approach:
- Maurice Johnston: His signing in 1989 was a landmark event, directly challenging and ultimately breaking the unofficial sectarian policy.
- Lorenzo Amoruso: A prominent Italian defender who played for Rangers from 1997 to 2003, winning several trophies.
- Mikel Arteta: The Spanish midfielder, now manager of Arsenal, played for Rangers from 2002 to 2004.
- Jon Flanagan: An English defender who played for Rangers from 2018 to 2020.
These examples demonstrate that the historical barriers have been dismantled, allowing talented players of all backgrounds to play for Rangers.
Summary of Policy Evolution
To illustrate the change, consider the following timeline of Rangers' approach to player recruitment regarding religious affiliation:
| Era | Unofficial Policy/Practice | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|
| c. 1920s - 1980s | Unofficial policy of not signing Catholic players. | Pressure mounted from media and public; often denied by club directors. |
| Late 1980s | Policy begins to be challenged and dismantled. | Signing of Maurice Johnston marks a significant shift. |
| Present Day | Open and inclusive recruitment based on merit alone. | Catholics and players of all backgrounds actively play for the club. |
For further information on Rangers Football Club, you can visit their Wikipedia page.
