‘IT’S NOT BANTER IT ’ S IGNORANT BIGOTRY’

Probe launched into‘ pathetic’ placard

Police have launched an enquiry after a banner expressing a sectarian slur was hung in Rutherglen at the weekend.

The banner, which appeared on Saturday morning tied over a road bridge on Mill Street, read:

“Can ye see us noo ya f ***** c **** .”

The “pathetic” placard has been blasted by Reformer readers, local councillors and charities.

Anti-sectarian group Nil by Mouth slammed the banner, branding it “ignorant bigotry” and “pathetic”.

Charity director Dave Scott said: “Whoever is behind this banner is a pathetic excuse for a human being.

“It’s not banter. It’s ignorant bigotry.

“Hopefully the police will be able to obtain the offending fingerprints from the banner and study the CCTV system and those behind it will be up in court in the very near future.”

Rutherglen Inspector, Kevin Miller told the Reformer that community policing officers are carrying out enquiries

with regard to public space and private CCTV in an attempt to identify those responsible.

Councillor Janine Calikes took to Facebook to voice her disgust at the banner, posting: “I have written, alongside Clare Haughey MSP, to the local Chief Inspector. I have also been in communication with local cops over the weekend.

“If anyone has any information about who may have placed the disgraceful sectarian banner on the footbridge at Mill Street, which has now been removed, please contact police on 101.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable.”