Scottish Daily Mail

Charity chief calls for a united front

- By BRIAN MARJORIBAN­KS

A LEADING anti-sectarian charity last night urged Celtic and Rangers to join forces and condemn the abuse of footballer­s after Ibrox striker Alfredo Morelos was targeted in Glasgow city centre. The Colombian internatio­nal forward was subjected to sectarian abuse by a man in a passing car in Mitchell Street in the same week Steven Gerrard’s side won the final derby of 2019 by a score of 2-1 at Parkhead. With Celtic currently

chasing a history-equalling nine consecutiv­e Scottish top-flight titles and up against a resurgent Rangers, the Nil By Mouth charity detects a particular­ly toxic atmosphere in the air in Glasgow. Campaign director Dave Scott believes a joint statement from the two clubs would help deter fans from targeting players in the streets in future. Speaking about the Morelos (below) incident, Scott said: ‘This is the latest in a long line of sectarian, racist and abusive incidents in recent months directed toward footballer­s in Glasgow as they go about their day-to-day lives. ‘There is something really toxic in the air at the moment and we would like to see the two clubs issue a joint statement reassertin­g that rivalry belongs on the pitch and their employees have the right to go about their lives free from this abuse. ‘I feel that would send a very powerful and symbolic message to supporters and those who use football allegiance­s as justificat­ion for hatred.’ The depressing incident is merely the latest in a long line involving players from both sides of the Glasgow divide. In March 2018, Rangers’ on-loan Norwich City defender Russell Martin was subjected to abuse in a shop before an Old Firm derby at Ibrox. Later the same day, Celtic attacker Scott Sinclair was targeted by thugs at Glasgow Airport as he waited for a plane following his side’s 3-2 win. Previously, former Rangers striker Nacho Novo was taunted by a Celtic fan while he walked through Belfast Internatio­nal Airport, while two men were jailed after Parkhead boss Neil Lennon was attacked and knocked unconsciou­s in Ashton Lane following an Old Firm clash in 2008.

Sportsmail contacted both Celtic and Rangers for comment but neither club had responded by the time of going to press.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom