Needham isn’t fit to lead – Gers

media slurs. An Ibrox spokesman said: “Rangers notes the SFA have recognised the appalling nature of these comments which are not befitting of a person in football leadership.

“We are acutely aware that Mr Needham’s comments are not reflective of the wider board or staff of St Mirren.”

Needham was last night hit with the bumper fine – £1000 of which is suspended – after appearing in front of an independent disciplinary tribunal.

Rangers wrote to St Mirren as well as the SFA and SPFL to register their anger after the tweets surfaced – at least one of which came after he joined the board last year.

Needham was charged with bringing the game into disrepute, making comments of a discriminatory or offensive nature, and acting in an improper manner while using indecent or insulting words or behaviour.

The Buddies supremo was forced to make a grovelling apology to Ibrox bosses when the sides met in October after it emerged he had branded Gers fans “h**s” as well as referring to the club as “Sevco”.

In another message – replying to a photo of Rangers fans crossing the River Clyde – Needham said: “Here’s hoping the Squinty Bridge tips as well. Second thoughts… the pollution would be awful.”

His remarks were condemned by antisectarianism campaigners Nil By Mouth as well as the club’s own charity partners – kids’ charity Kibble.

St Mirren released a statement last night. It said: “Following on from the SFA disciplinary hearing, the outcome is as follows: £6000 fine applied with £5000 to be paid immediately and £1000 suspended until the end of season 2021/22, should there be a further breach of disciplinary rules 71/73/77 in this time period.

“St Mirren will be making no further comment.”