Rangers players are now the subject of a police investigation over alleged use of sectarian language.
Police Scotland say they're looking into a video that's done the rounds on social media which appears to show Steven Gerrard's squad singing "F**k the Pope" to the tune of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline". The video was shot inside Rangers' Ibrox stadium.
Rangers were celebrating after being presented with the Scottish Premiership trophy for the first time in a decade after their 4-0 win over Aberdeen.
"We are aware of a video circulating on social media apparently showing Rangers players using sectarian language while celebrating on Saturday," a Police Scotland statement read, "We are assessing its contents and will liaise with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as part of our enquiries."
News of the police investigation comes on the same day the Scottish Football Association condemned the actions of a number of Rangers fans as an "abomination not a celebration".
At least 28 people were arrested for a variety of offences stemming from Rangers fans' celebration in Glasgow's George Square on Saturday afternoon.
The scenes prompted Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to lambast those involved in the ugly scenes as acting in a "thuggish, sectarian and selfish manner".
The SFA congratulated Rangers on winning the title before adding, "While the majority of the club’s fan base will have celebrated this achievement safely and in line with COVID-19 guidelines across the country and beyond, the scenes witnessed in and around Glasgow’s George Square have brought embarrassment to the national game.
"Scenes that require the First Minister, Justice Secretary, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Federation to issue condemnatory statements, and images that dominated the news agenda throughout the weekend, represent an abomination not a celebration.
"Those responsible for sectarian singing, for vandalism and for inflicting physical damage may attach themselves to football but cannot be considered football fans. Police Scotland have made a number of arrests and more are expected to follow.
Thousands of Rangers fans have marched to Glasgow’s George Square following their club’s raising of the Scottish Premiership trophy.
Supporters had gathered outside Ibrox ahead of the match against Aberdeen which saw Rangers defeat the Dons 4-0.https://t.co/JPqwrHVUOV pic.twitter.com/PeARf6XyAH— STV News (@STVNews) May 15, 2021
"The Scottish FA has recently issued its equality diversity and inclusion strategy, Football Unites. Events on Saturday at George Square served only to depict our game in the poorest light and we condemn the behaviour in the strongest terms.
"We empathise with fans who have been deprived of attending matches throughout this pandemic. That, however, does not excuse the behaviour of those who brought chaos to the streets in the name of football this weekend. "
In a statement of their own, Rangers conceded, "Sadly, a small minority of people behaved inappropriately and in a manner not reflective of our support. Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club.
"These so called “fans” should reflect upon the values and ethos of our club, and consider the damage this does to the reputation of the club.
"We will continue to engage with authorities as required."
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