Rangers take legal action after police end players investigation
Rangers are taking legal action against individuals for comments made before police closed an investigation into alleged sectarian singing from their players.
Police Scotland have found “no criminality” in a video posted on social media which they had earlier stated appeared to show Rangers players allegedly using “sectarian language” during last weekend’s title celebrations.
An investigation was launched after Tiktok footage emerged of players and others singing inside a function suite after Rangers collected the Scottish Premiership trophy.
A police statement yesterday said: “In relation to a video circulating on social media showing Rangers players allegedly using sectarian language on Saturday 15 May, extensive enquiries have been carried out and no criminality has been established.”
Rangers welcomed the news but are taking other action.
A club statement read: “Rangers welcomes the outcome of the Police Scotland investigation into a video involving some of our players and staff.
“Whilst we were confident that no criminality took place, we recognised that we had a duty to assist police.
“Furthermore, given some of the attempts to spread false narratives, we had to protect the reputation of individuals involved.
“This is a stark reminder to those in senior positions within society who should be cognisant of their influence, responsibility and the conen
sequences of their actions on others.
“We can confirm that we have initiated legal proceedings against certain individuals for comments made this week.”
Meanwhile, a police officer has been fined for breaching coronavirus rules after he was spotted among thousands of Rangers fans celebrating in Glasgow's George Square.
Thousands
of
supporters
defied Covid-19 warnings against large gatherings and massed in the city centre last Saturday to mark the club winning their first Scottish Premiership championship since 2011.
The 23-year-old off duty officer was identified from pictures posted online.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We were made aware of images circulating online and following inquiries, a 23-year-old man was giv
a fixed-penalty notice for breaching coronavirus regulations.
"The circumstances will be considered by the professional standards department."
Five officers were injured and 28 arrests were made – with the force saying many more will follow – after the celebrations got out of hand.
George Square was left strewn with hundreds of broken bottles, plastic bags and spent flares after celebrations
turned to violence and flagdraped fans were seen attacking each other and launching bollards and other missiles at riot police.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon condemned the "disgraceful scenes".
She tweeted at the weekend: "To say I'm utterly disgusted by the Rangers fans who rampaged through the city would be an understatement."