RANGERS have released an official statement responding to news that Police Scotland are investigating a video which allegedly shows some of their players using sectarian language.
The video, showing some of the Light Blues’ players celebrating their league win, first appeared on TikTok but has since been shared across other social media platforms.
In it the words “F*** the pope” are allegedly sung to the tune of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.
A Police Scotland statement released earlier said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media apparently showing Rangers players using sectarian language while celebrating on Saturday.
“We are assessing its contents and will liaise with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as part of our inquiries.”
READ MORE: Rangers players probed by police over video 'showing use of sectarian language'
BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin reported that the club "believes the footage has been doctored".
In an official statement, Rangers FC says it is "deeply concerning that this video has been taken as genuine".
The club says it is confident “that no criminality took place”.
Club Statement:
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 17, 2021
The Rangers statement reads: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media. It is evident that this video was shared with an adjoining narrative which attempts to discredit our players and the reputation of Rangers Football Club. This highlights the dangers of ‘trial by social media’.
“It is deeply concerning that this video has been taken as genuine and has been shared widely including by some political representatives who should be mindful of their influence and legal processes.
READ MORE: Kirsty Strickland: There was nothing normal about Rangers fans' siege of Glasgow
“Our squad is richly diverse. Sectarianism is unacceptable and has no place in our club which is underlined by our Everyone Anyone campaign.
“We are confident that no criminality took place, we have sought legal advice and look forward to cooperating with Police Scotland.”
The SNP’s Humza Yousaf said that “if (and I stress if)” the video in question is found to be genuine then Rangers FC should fire “any player or staff member found to be guilty of anti-Catholic hatred”.
A statement from #SRtRC regarding the scenes we saw this weekend. pic.twitter.com/SHKNBr6mLe
— Show Racism the Red Card 🏴 (@SRtRCScotland) May 17, 2021
A statement released by the Show Racism the Red Card campaign said that it had been sent “hundreds of videos since Saturday containing hateful and racist language aimed at Scotland’s Irish Catholic communities”.
The campaign called on football fans to “do better” and said it had passed the videos on to Police Scotland.
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