Video allegedly showed Rangers players using sectarian language; Police Scotland: "Extensive enquiries have been carried out and no criminality has been established"; Rangers say they "have initiated legal proceedings against certain individuals for comments made this week"
Friday 21 May 2021 19:29, UK
Police Scotland says no criminality has been established after investigating a video allegedly showing Rangers players using sectarian language.
The footage - which was widely shared on social media - led to condemnation of the players from some public figures.
Rangers said no criminality took place during the singing - which allegedly took place in the Ibrox suite as the players celebrated an unbeaten title-winning season - and questioned the viability of the footage.
Steven Gerrard's side will now face no further action after officers decided there was no evidence of wrong-doing.
Police Scotland released a statement on Friday which read: "In relation to a video circulating on social media showing Rangers players allegedly using sectarian language on Saturday 15 May, extensive enquiries have been carried out and no criminality has been established."
Following the conclusion of the enquiries, Rangers released a statement which said: "Rangers welcomes the outcome of the Police Scotland investigation into a video involving some of our players and staff.
"Whilst we were confident that no criminality took place, we recognised that we had a duty to assist Police. Furthermore, given some of the attempts to spread false narratives, we had to protect the reputation of individuals involved.
"This is a stark reminder to those in senior positions within society who should be cognisant of their influence, responsibility and the consequences of their actions on others.
"We can confirm that we have initiated legal proceedings against certain individuals for comments made this week."
