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Sectarian abuse a 'society problem', says Hearts boss Craig Levein

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Hearts manager Craig Levein has backed Steve Clarke's decision to speak out after the Kilmarnock boss accused Rangers fans of sectarian abuse

Hearts manager Craig Levein says sectarian abuse is a "society problem" following allegations made against Rangers fans from Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke.

Speaking after Kilmarnock's 5-0 Scottish Cup fifth-round replay defeat to Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday, Clarke accused some fans of living in the "dark ages".

The former Chelsea defender went on to add that he was grateful to have spent much of his playing career in the Premier League, as it allowed him to bring up his children away from Scotland.

Hearts Manager Craig Levein shakes hands with Steven Clarke
Image: Levein believes the abuse Clarke faced is an example of a 'society problem'

"The fact that you're the manager of an opposition football club gives nobody the license to do those sort of things," Levein said on Thursday.

"I've talked about it loads of times in the past and I do think it's a society problem. How we stop it, I don't know.

"It happens and a lot of the time you just ignore it, but obviously Steve's got to the stage last night where he's fed up, and he's quite right to come out and talk about it."

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Clarke says he was subjected to sectarian abuse by Rangers fans during their 5-0 Scottish Cup fifth-round replay defeat at Ibrox

Rangers have released a statement saying that "unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated at Ibrox", while manager Steven Gerrard echoed that sentiment during his press conference on Thursday morning.

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There have been calls for more severe punishments for clubs when supporters are found guilty of such abuse, but Levein is wary of the consequences such measures could have.

"The problem with strict liability is that if you want to mess around and cause trouble, if you're the supporter of another club, you buy tickets for your nearest rivals and stand in the crowd and shout sectarian abuse," Levein said.

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Steven Gerrard says 'unacceptable behaviour' by fans is not welcome at Rangers, following Clarke's claims

"Then you get the opposition club fined. So what's to stop that?

"I think it's a really difficult situation to deal with. I think the clubs need to do everything they can to try and find the people in the crowd who are doing it and try and ban them."

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