Rangers players and staff in social media racism boycott
Last updated 8th Apr 2021
Players and staff at Rangers have agreed to boycott social media for a week as they fight against online abuse.
The club believe hate across online platforms is growing out of control.
Midfielder Glen Kamara has spoken out this week about racist messages he has received on Twitter and Instagram.
It comes after alleged racist abuse he was subjected to by Slavia Prague's Ondrej Kudela in their Europa League clash last month.
The boycott follows similar moves by Swansea and Birmingham.
Rangers Managing Director, Stewart Robertson commented: “We can confirm that as a board and as a club, we are fully behind our players and management on this issue.
“Furthermore, we have arranged to meet Facebook and Instagram to underline our growing concerns.
“Having spoken to a wide range of clubs across the United Kingdom, we know these concerns are shared by all clubs and it is fair to say everyone is losing patience with the lack of action from social media companies.
“Rangers hope is that clear and direct action is taken from social media platforms. The basic verification of users, as part of the sign-up process, to any social media platform, will ensure that users are both identifiable and accountable for their actions and words. We will raise this next week in our scheduled meetings.
“Rangers has driven its flagship Everyone Anyone campaign forward rigorously, drawing praise and support from fellow clubs, governing bodies and politicians, and we will continue to stand firmly against all forms of discrimination. Enough is enough.
“We would hope that social media companies recognise the benefit of verified accounts. If they don’t, it is time for government to step in and legislate. As a club, we will continue to consider all options which increase pressure on social media platforms until they begin working proactively in the interests of wider society.
“The Rangers players and management will begin their boycott from today (8th April) at 7pm for one week.”