Doncaster Blasts Rangers Fans

Photo by Jeff Holmes Neil Doncaster has accused some Rangers fans of dragging the reputation of Scottish football through the mud following recent outbursts of sectarian singing. But, in the same statement, the Scottish Professional Football League chief executive played down the prospect of the club being punished for the latest alleged offence. The SPFL recently announced it was taking no action against Rangers or Celtic following the QTS Scottish League Cup final after 10 people were arrested for sectarian breach of the peace and a significant proportion of Rangers fans sang 'No Pope of Rome' and the 'Billy Boys'. Rangers fans could again be heard chanting "Fenian b***" and anti-Catholic songs during their team's 2-1 Scottish Championship victory over Raith Rovers on Friday night and it is understood SPFL match delegate Tom Purdie will mention that in his report. But Doncaster, while condemning the actions, dampened any expectations of official action from the league body. In a statement, he said: "We hope to have sight of the match delegate report from Friday night's Raith Rovers v Rangers SPFL Championship match within the next 24-48 hours. "It remains the SPFL's position that if it can be established that clubs have done everything required in overall management of the event pre-match, during the game and post-match then they have no case to answer. "But setting that aside, the vast majority of decent fans will share a strong degree of anger and despair that the good name of Scottish football is once again being dragged through the mud by the distasteful, shameful and selfish actions of a mindless minority who seem hell bent on indulging in outdated and offensive behaviour. "I know that clubs, players and many others across the game share this frustration. "While we can't comment further until we review the match delegate report, we will work with our clubs and the police to do everything within our powers to act against those involved in such unacceptable conduct and behaviour. However ultimately we also need the supporters to play their part to help stamp out such behaviour."