Police Scotland made aware of sectarian singing by a group of people in Glasgow on Sunday; Rangers say they are working with police to identify any season ticket holders; Scottish health secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: "Disgusted to once again see anti-Irish racism rear its ugly head."
Monday 30 August 2021 22:10, UK
Police have begun an investigation after a video was circulated online of a group chanting sectarian abuse in Glasgow ahead of Sunday's Old Firm game at Ibrox.
Rangers beat their city rivals 1-0 thanks to Filip Helander's second-half header in the sides' first meeting of the season.
Police Scotland have condemned the "anti-Irish Catholic behaviour" and expect to make "a number of arrests".
Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said: "We did not facilitate this event and to say so is inaccurate.
"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.
"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.
"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 require a more effective, joined-up, civic response."
There were also reports of sectarian abuse directed at Celtic players when they travelled to Ibrox in January.
Rangers say they are working with the police to identify any season ticket holders following the incident and condemn all forms of racism, sectarianism and discrimination.
They added in a statement: "As a club, we are proud of our Everyone Anyone campaign, led through the Rangers Charity Foundation, our work with a wide range of stakeholders and our ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Government.
"Discrimination of all forms is a societal issue within Scotland.
"Those with influence within Scottish discourse should put their energy into eradicating this very serious issue across all sections of Scottish society who suffer sectarianism, discrimination and racism of any form."
Following the reported incident in Glasgow on Sunday, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Humza Yousaf tweeted: "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 Scotland will hold those responsible to account."
Show Racism The Red Card Scotland added: "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.
"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.
"We commend members of the public for documenting yesterday's scenes and urge all to report them to Police Scotland."
