Rangers have said their fans were subjected to “a sickening and shameful display of outright sectarian hatred” by Celtic supporters during Saturday’s game.
The first league meeting between the Glasgow clubs in four years finished 5-1 to Celtic. Off the field Rangers supporters trashed a toilet in Celtic Park, and dolls with Rangers scarves and an orange sash were hung from the stands.
Celtic fans were accused of mocking the death of the brother of Kris Boyd, after the former Rangers’ striker spoke about his brother’s suicide earlier in the week, and of displaying insensitive effigies on what was World Suicide Prevention Day.
Celtic fans on social media denied that there was any link to the death of Boyd’s brother.
Rangers’ board have released a statement on Saturday’s events:
“The club’s directors are fully aware of the disgust felt by Rangers supporters who were subject to a sickening and shameful display of outright sectarian hatred towards them. We also share the fans’ anger and will be contacting Club 1872 as a matter of urgency.”
While Club 1872, a Rangers’ supporters club, have called for Celtic fans to be banned from Ibrox when the two teams play again this season:
“Club 1872 has today written to the Rangers board requesting that they ban Celtic supporters from Ibrox until Celtic can prove they have taken substantive action against the Green Brigade and other overtly sectarian elements within their support.
“The Green Brigade has been cultivated, encouraged and rewarded by Peter Lawwell and the Celtic board for many years. So much so that at the beginning of this year they received their own standing section within Celtic Park. This is despite regular displays in support of active terrorist groups, anti-Semitic displays and sectarian displays.
“At the Old Firm game on Saturday the Green Brigade displayed sectarian banners which read “Kill All Huns” and “Know Your Place Hun Scum”. They also displayed banners in support of the IRA. This follows on from similar banners at last year’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
“They were joined by other Celtic supporters, in a separate part of the ground, who hung effigies of Rangers supporters with their hands tied behind their backs and ropes around their necks.
“These displays were disgusting, threatening, sectarian and criminal. The groups responsible are easily identifiable if the will is there to do so. The reaction of both Celtic and Police Scotland has so far been pitiful.
“They have been joined in inaction by the Scottish Government, media commentators and anti-sectarian campaigners who are conspicuous by their absence. It would appear soundbites are only of value when those on the receiving end of offensive behaviour wear green.”
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