POLICE will mount a security operation in anticipation of a massive Ibrox gathering once the crunch EGM result is known.

 

Steps are being taken to make sure there's no disorder, but an insider revealed a "specific security plan" would be devised amid concerns about protests.

It is understood extra cops will be in the Ibrox area on the date of the EGM - which is still to be revealed - and Edmiston Drive could be closed if large crowds gather.

Officers will be "on standby" in the event of any celebrations - or potential backlash if the current board remain in place.

Rangers chief executive Derek Llambias and board chairman Sandy Easdale were previously told to stay away from a match at Ibrox "for their own safety" and discussions are underway between police and representatives from Rangers to ensure the meeting "passes off peacefully and safely".

Specialist officers are also understood to be gathering intelligence about any potential protests at Ibrox on the day of the powderkeg meeting.

Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, local policing commander for Glasgow, vowed the meeting would be "policed proportionately".

He added: "Police are currently liaising with representatives from Rangers."

Hundreds of fans gathered outside Ibrox last week to step up their protest against the Rangers board, and mounted police were drafted in to keep the crowds back from the front door.

Chants of 'sack the board' and 'we want our Rangers back' rang out among the protestors, who were joined by club icon John Brown and former striker Nacho Novo.

A banner read: "Parasites and leeches out.

"Not a penny more. Ashley, Easdales, Lambias, Rats".

The protest passed peacefully and fans - and police alike - hope the EGM will be a similar affair.

Dave King has urged Rangers fans not to travel to Ibrox for the make-or-break EGM amid concerns any disruption could see the board cling to power for longer.

Hundreds of small shareholders have already proxied their vote to groups such as the Rangers Supporters Trust and Rangers First to avoid overcrowding at the EGM venue.

But one insider said: "It's not the meeting itself that poses a problem, it's the groups who may gather outside the stadium on the day.

"There's no doubt emotions will be running high, we've seen it at previous protests at Ibrox's front door recently, and there are concerns it will come to a head on the day of the EGM."

King has called the meeting in a bid to oust current directors chairman David Somers, James Easdale, Derek Llambias and Barry Leach from Ibrox.

He said: "It is vital that fans who are shareholders, and all other shareholders follow procedure."

It comes after shambolic week for the Rangers board, which saw a second hotel cancel their booking for the EGM.

The switch back to Ibrox is an embarrassing climbdown for a board who have been at loggerheads with their own supporters for months.

Earlier this week, five-star London hotel The Grange Tower revealed it was pulling out as host.

This decision came only a few hours after Rangers announced to the stock exchange, where the EGM would be held.

The Millennium Gloucester Hotel also cancelled the board's booking after its management grew worried the meeting would cause "significant disruption".

Organisers of the recent Rangers protests dismissed accusations board members were under threat, and revealed that police had praised their conduct.

A statement from Rangers revealed that directors had stayed away from the Scottish Cup game with Raith Rovers due to "safety fears".