AN SNP MSP has written to Rangers FC after the club's supporters were seen singing anti-Irish songs before Sunday's Old Firm match against Celtic.
Describing the behaviour of supporters as "shameful", James Dornan MSP said that supporters singing an "illegal" song was "the latest in a series of similar events in recent months in which supporters of Rangers FC have behaved deplorably".
We must call this what it is: anti-Irish racism.
— Anum Qaisar-Javed MP (@AnumQaisarJaved) August 29, 2021
No place for this in Scotland. An absolute disgrace. https://t.co/eOEvHGCG8h
He added: "I would, however, like to commend you for the immediate action taken in suspending two supporters and the Supporters' Bus after the recent incident therein."
The Glasgow Catchcart MSP was referring to a recent video where Rangers fans appeared to chant a racist song about Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi. The fans will not be allowed to attend future games.
Dornan's letter continued: "I would like to be granted some assurance that, if the people who can be clearly seen in this latest video are identified, that similar consequences will be directed at them.
"I would also like to know if the members of this mob all belong to the same supporters' group, or indeed a small number of supporters' groups, that these groups will also be subject to disciplinary measures from the club."
Here’s the Topical question I put down to be answered tomorrow, And the letter I’ve sent to @RangersFC regarding yesterday’s shameful events. pic.twitter.com/oKTDGtUsc6
— James Dornan SNP (@glasgowcathcart) August 30, 2021
READ MORE: Rangers fans spout 'bigoted hatred' on streets of Glasgow before Celtic game
As MSPs are set to return to Holyrood tomorrow following the summer recess, Dornan, MSP for Glasgow Catchcart, has also put in a topical question to be answered on Tuesday.
It looks to ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to meet with representatives from Rangers, Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the Irish-Scottish community regarding "the continuing racism and religious bigotry, including the singing of illegal songs which have been deemed as hate crimes, that have recently been taking place throughout the streets of Glasgow".
In his letter to the club, Dornan concluded by saying that he hopes Rangers will seriously consider participating or hosting the summit if the Scottish Government goes ahead with it.
The SNP MSP has also submitted a motion calling on the Scottish Parliament to unequivocally condemn and abhor "anti-Irish racism and religious bigotry" exhibited by the people in the video.
This is the motion on yesterday’s Famine Song singing by Rangers fans as submitted to Parliament. There may be some changes before it is sent out to be signed by others. pic.twitter.com/HLX0u175mb
— James Dornan SNP (@glasgowcathcart) August 30, 2021
Rangers have since released a statement, which reads: "Following an incident on Sunday, we repeat that Rangers FC condemns all forms of racism, sectarianism and discrimination.
"We are working with the police to identify any season ticket holders.
"As a club, we are proud of our Everyone Anyone campaign, led through the Rangers Charity Foundation, our work with a wide range of stakeholders and our on-going dialogue with the Scottish Government.
"Discrimination of all forms is a societal issue within Scotland.
"Those with influence within Scottish discourse should put their energy into eradicating this very serious issue across all sections of Scottish society who suffer sectarianism, discrimination and racism of any form."
Dornan has previously called for Orange Order marches to be scaled back "or stopped" due to the anti-Catholic and anti-Irish sentiment they generate in Scotland.
READ MORE: James Dornan: Scotland has a problem we still refuse to acknowledge. It's time to deal with it
Writing in The National, Dornan said: “It’s time Scotland investigated the best way to minimise the number, or stop, marches that are designed to intimidate and harass Catholics and Irish.
“Scotland has a problem that we still refuse to acknowledge. It’s time to accept that and deal with Scotland’s last acceptable taboo. But before we can do that, we must properly name it for what it is: anti-Irish racism.”
He also went on to write in the same piece that he is proposing creating a cross-party group on the Irish community in Scotland.
He said it would be a "forum for people across Scotland to discuss the benefits the Irish have brought to this country and how we can ensure that the Irish community is recognised as an important, and distinct, part of Scotland’s culture and demography".
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