One of the biggest footballing rivalries, the Old Firm rivalry witnessed a shocking moment in the Sunday night encounter between the two old enemies. Rangers emerged victorious against Celtic in this season’s first Old Firm contest. Filip Helander smashed a header in the second half of the game helping The Light Blues win a crucial three points.
But the game had an ugly turnaround when a video was released where a few Scottish spectators were darting sectarian abuse towards a group of supporters at the Ibrox stadium. The Scottish Police have said that this is something that is never expected of Scottish fans. They condemned the “anti-Irish Catholic behaviour” and have ensured that they would make multiple arrests in the future.
WHAT HAS THE POLICE SAID?
Assistant chief police officer Bernard Higgins stated – “Officers on patrol came across this group as it was making its way through Glasgow City Centre.
“Due to the numbers and to ensure public and officer safety, additional officers were called to assist and, at this point, individuals’ details were noted and the group dispersed.
🟩🟦United against discrimination
Celtic & Rangers players both stand in solidarity against racism before the match at Parkhead 🤝
📺Watch the Old Firm from home – live on Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/kCDIKdeOdF
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 21, 2021
The Police ensured that they are checking every clue and will be following up on various reports.
“A retrospective investigation into this anti-Irish Catholic singing has been launched and we are following up a number of lines of enquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage and footage on social media. I fully expect a number of arrests to be made.
We are aware of a video circulating on social media apparently showing Rangers players using sectarian language while celebrating on Saturday. We are assessing its contents and will liaise with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as part of our enquiries.
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) May 17, 2021
Police added that Football is not a place for racism and such remarks and requested the general people to contact them with information about the incident.
“This type of anti-Irish Catholic behaviour is wholly unacceptable. Our enquiries are ongoing to identify those who were involved and we will take the appropriate action against them. We would ask anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.”
“However, the challenges of the sectarianism still evident in some parts of Scotland are a much broader societal problem and, whilst policing will have a role to play in addressing the symptoms, its causes are a problem which requires a more effective, joined-up, civic response.”
DIFFERENT ORGANISATIONS WITH THEIR CONCERN
Addressing the episode in Glasgow, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf tweeted: “For those hurling racist abuses at our Irish community telling them to “go home” – Scotland is their home.
“Disgusted to once again see anti-Irish racism rear its ugly head. “Solidarity with our Irish community. I am sure Police Scotland will hold those responsible to account.”
For those hurling racist abuse at our Irish community telling them to "go home" – Scotland is their home.
Disgusted to once again see anti-Irish racism rear its ugly head. Solidarity with our Irish community.
I am sure Police Scot will hold those responsible to account.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) August 29, 2021
A foundation set up in 1996, Show Racism The Red Card Scotland explained: “Our charity stands in solidarity with Scotland’s Irish and Catholic communities targeted by hate yesterday.
The organization felt that the chants of why don’t you go home don’t belong to football and should be thrown out of the game along with the people.
“Chants of “why don’t you go home” are racist. Anti-Irish and anti-Catholic hatred in all its forms must be challenged and treated with the seriousness it deserves.
1/3: Our charity stands in solidarity with Scotland’s Irish and Catholic communities targeted by hate yesterday.
Chants of “why don’t you go home” are racist.
Anti-Irish and anti-Catholic hatred in all its forms must be challenged and treated with the seriousness it deserves.
— Show Racism the Red Card 🏴✪ (@SRtRCScotland) August 30, 2021
“Religious intolerance and xenophobia must never be accepted as a fact of life by any community or any person in Scotland.”Educating the future generation to recognise and safely challenge such hate is crucial. Rather than words, communities and charities need more support.
Humza Yousaf followed the footsteps of the Police and urged the common public to help the Scottish Police.
“We commend members of the public for documenting yesterday’s scenes and urge all to report them to Police Scotland.”
