Justice Secretary and Rangers on collision course in players video row
Humza Yousaf says staff should be sacked if the footage is genuine
Last updated 18th May 2021
The Justice Secretary says Rangers players or staff should be shown the door if they're found to have used anti-Catholic language during post-match celebratings, while the football club insists a video was faked.
Humza Yousaf hit out in an interview with Clyde 1 after a clip was shared on social media appearing to show the squad singing offensive lyrics, and Police Scotland has opened an invesigation.
Rangers are challenging the legitimacy of the video, said to have been filmed during celebrations after the 4 - 0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox on Saturday, and said they're satisfied there's been no criminality.
Humza Yousaf told us: "If it is genuine it is utterly shameful.
Police probe
"I've spoken to Police Scotland and they've confirmed they are liasing with the Crown Office and will investigate that clip.
"It is a live investigation but what I would say to Rangers FC is I would expect them to investigate the clip too, and if it is genuine, and players have been involved in anti-Catholic prejudice, then they should be sacked.
"At my workplace, or any other, I would expect a P45. So if a Rangers player, or staff member, has been caught saying and singing that then they should be out of the door."
Rangers hit back
Rangers released a statement claiming the recording had been faked saying: "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.
"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.
"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.''
Yousaf slams "thuggery"
The Justice Secretary says events on Saturday, when thousands of Rangers supporters breached Covid restrictions to gather outside Ibrox stadium, and in Glasgow city centre, should spark a wider debate within the sport about its reponsibilities to Scottish society.
"I would appeal to the SFA, SPFL and Rangers FC to not just release statements but take the necessary hard action to prove that if your fans engage in this type of thuggery then there are very serious consequences," he said.
"There are societal issues here at play and the Government is willing to work with clubs but there has to be meaningful action from football otherwise this will keep happening time and time again.
"I think they the Scottish FA have too often pointed the finger at society more generally and not acknowledged there is a footballing problem here.
However, Mr Yousaf, ruled out blanket restrictions affecting football as a consequence of the scenes in Glasgow: "We'll continue to assess whether or not it is in the public health interest to allow fans into the stadium, but what we won't do is collectively punish everybody for the actions of a moronic group that took that irresponsible action over the weekend.