Ange Postecoglou 'saddened' by Kyogo Furuhashi abuse
The Japan international has been targeted in a racist video circulating online
Last updated 24th Aug 2021
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou says he's saddened by the racist abuse aimed at striker Kyogo Furuhashi.
Rangers have banned supporters involved in offensive gestures and songs seen in a video circulating on social media.
The Japan international was targeted on a supporters bus believed to be heading to their clash with Ross County on Sunday.
The Ibrox side have acted swiftly to punish the individuals involved while also banning the supporters' club they're members of from receiving tickets for future matches.
Furuhashi has had a blistering start to his Hoops' career after being signed by Ange Postecoglou in the summer.
The Australian boss says the abuse has been upsetting to see and says they'll give the 26-year old their unwavering support.
Postecoglou told CelticTV: “To be honest, it saddens me a lot because I’m the one who’s brought him over.
“I spent three-and-a-half years in Japan, and I was a foreigner, and I was welcomed with open arms over there.
“I know how polite and respectful the Japanese people were, and I’m the one who brought Kyogo here. I’m sure his experience is the extreme opposite of what’s been portrayed in the last 48 hours.
“I’ve been talking to him and he loves being here, he loves the city, he loves the way everyone’s embraced him.
“But it’s not about education and people are more than well aware of what’s right and wrong – just be a decent human being and treat people with respect.
“Even for myself, I’ve been lucky enough to walk around Glasgow with my family and you see all the different nationalities and different establishments – whether that’s restaurants, businesses – and it’s obvious that people have come from all over the world to make this city a great city.
“I love that – that’s kind of my background. I’m an immigrant and to hear that, even if it is a minority, it shouldn’t be there and it does sadden me.
“Our number one priority is to protect and support the player. He’s a cracking guy. If anyone ever comes across him, he’s such a nice young man and he doesn’t deserve any of that type of behavior – no one does, to be honest. No-one does.”