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      Rangers say club is facing ‘trial by social media’ over alleged sectarian singing video as cops probe title party clip

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      RANGERS bosses have claimed the club is facing “trial by social media” — as they questioned a title party video allegedly showing sectarian singing.The Ibrox hierarchy hit back after cops launched a probe and Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf demanded any player or staff member found guilty of bigoted chants to be sacked.
      The clip is believed to have been filmed on Saturday
      Officials said it was “deeply concerning” that the footage shared online had been accepted as “genuine”.
      It came as the fallout from Gers fans’ shameful championship celebrations continued — with SFA blazers branding the scenes an “embarrassment to the national game”.
      In a club statement today, Rangers said of the clip: “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.
      Club Statement:— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 17, 2021

      “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 footage is thought to have been filmed on Saturday evening as the Gers squad celebrated lifting the Premiership trophy after their 4-0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox.
      Players can be seen dancing around in the clip, which allegedly includes chants of “f*** the Pope”.
      It is understood the club believes the video — which first appeared on TikTok before being shared on Twitter and other sites — has been doctored. Investigators are now studying the footage.
      The Rangers players celebraitng their 55th title successCredit: Getty
      A source said: “It can’t immediately be dismissed as faked.”
      Mr Yousaf earlier said it was “right” that police “determine the facts” around the video.
      The Nats minister wrote on Twitter: “If  this clip is genuine then any player or staff member found to be guilty of anti-Catholic hatred should be shown the door by the club.”
      A Police Scotland spokesman 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.”
      Meanwhile, SFA president Rod Petrie slammed Bears supporters who brawled with each other and attacked cops during their lockdown-flouting street party in central Glasgow.

      GERS PROBE Rangers players probed by cops over ‘sectarian’ video appearing to show ‘f*** the pope’ chant

      He branded it an “abomination not a celebration”.
      Mr Petrie added: “The scenes witnessed in and around Glasgow’s George Square have brought embarrassment to the national game.
      “Those responsible for sectarian singing, vandalism and inflicting physical damage may attach themselves to football but cannot be considered fans.”
      We told how five officers were injured, with one rushed to hospital with horror face wounds after being bottled.
      Some 15,000 punters laid siege to the city centre despite pleas from the authorities.
      Riot police were ambushed and beer gardens were closed amid safety fears. Yobs attacked cops with fencing and traffic cones used as missiles.  A total of 28 arrests were made.

      Streets remained stained with urine and booze today following the title bash.
      Shards of glass could still be seen wedged in the turfed sections of George Square.
      Deputy First Minister John Swinney called the rampage “absolutely reprehensible”.
      He added: “There was absolutely no need for them to gather and the warnings were given very clearly. Then some went on to behave in a loutish and thuggish fashion in George Square, devastating property, circulating and expressing vile anti-Catholic bigotry.”
      Rangers today blamed a “small minority” of people.
      A statement said: “Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club.
      “These so-called ‘fans’ should reflect upon the values and ethos of our club.
      “We will continue to engage with authorities as required.”
      rebecca.gray@the-sun.co.uk

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      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes placed on anti-domestic abuse course after admitting harassing former girlfriend

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      FORMER Arsenal and Celtic star Anthony Stokes has been ordered to complete an anti-domestic abuse course.
      The striker, 32, has been put on the ‘Caledonian Programme’ after he admitted harassing his former girlfriend Eilidh Scott.

      Anthony Stokes was told he must complete the programme or risk a jail sentenceCredit: Tom Farmer – The Scottish Sun

      Stokes, of Glasgow, was back in the dock after he had earlier been ordered to be of good behaviour for eight months.
      The case at Hamilton Sheriff Court was previously due to call last May but has been hit by a string of delays because of the pandemic.
      Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen has now placed Stokes under supervision for two years, which requires him to take part in the course.
      But he warned the Irishman failure to complete the programme could see him put behind bars.

      When asked directly by the sheriff if he would comply with the order, Stokes replied: “Yes.”
      Michael Gallen, defending, said: “He is suitable for the Caledonian Programme and if that is what is in mind then he will agree to it.

      Stokes’ only first-team Arsenal appearance came in October 2005 after coming through the academyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “He has followed the non-harassment order and there have been no convictions between the date of deferral back in September 2019 to now.
      “Having ordered him to be of good behaviour since I submit an order for supervision and the programme requirement may be sufficient to deal with this matter.”

      Sheriff MacFadyen said: “The most recent report in this case indicates there is still work for you to do to address your offending behaviour and what it was that led you to behave that way towards your former partner.

      “I have in mind to place you, as a direct alternative to custody with this being a serious charge, on a community payback order for two years.
      “You will be under supervision of the social work department and there is a requirement that you attend the Caledonian Programme which is designed for men guilty of this sort of offending.
      “Failure to comply with the order will be reported back to the court and if it amounts to a breach then all sentencing options will be open to the court up to and including custody.”

      He joined Livingston last summer but left just three weeks laterCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      Stokes spent four years on Arsenal’s books as he came through the academy and made one first-team appearance, in a 3-0 win over Sunderland in the League Cup in October 2005.
      But it was north of the border where he enjoyed the most success, winning seven trophies in six seasons at Celtic and netting twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      The nine-cap Irish forward most recently joined Livingston in 2020 but left just three weeks later without making an appearance.

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      Car deliberately torched at home of Rangers ace Allan McGregor with flames 6ft in air outside plush pad in wealthy area

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      COPS are probing a deliberate car blaze attack at the home of Rangers star Allan McGregor.
      Emergency services were called to the goalkeeper’s plush pad on the outskirts of Glasgow on Thursday after a 999 alert was raised.

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      A car was deliberately torched at Allan McGregor’s home

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      Police are probing the fireball attack at the Rangers ace’s plush padCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      The fireball incident was caught on video that showed flames leaping 6ft into the air.
      A source said: “It was incredible, one of the cars sitting in the drive was fully alight, it was causing a huge commotion in what is normally a very quiet road.
      “The homes around here are very expensive and it’s scary to think what could have happened, the flames were very close to the house.
      “It’s terrifying to think that someone caused this deliberately, why would someone set fire to a car like that?”

      The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they were alerted to the blaze and sent three appliances to tackle the inferno.
      In January a man was charged in connection with an incident involving Rangers player Alfredo Morelos’ car.
      Police arrested and charged the 29-year-old with an alleged breach of the peace.
      This followed the vehicle being removed for examination after “reports of a man allegedly tampering” with it in a secured car park in Glasgow.

      A report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

      A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We were made aware of a vehicle fire outside a property  around 10.40pm on Thursday, September 3.
      “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended, nobody was injured and the fire is being treated as wilful.
      “Enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3735 of September 3.”
      Rangers have been approached for a comment.

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