17th October 2005

Rangers' boss praises fans in battle against bigotry

Rangers chairman David Murray has praised Ibrox supporters for their efforts to stamp out bigotry.

Mr Murray introduced a 10-point plan aimed at eradicating sectarianism among fans in the wake of a BBC documentary in March this year.

Panorama claimed not enough was being done to tackle religious hatred at Ibrox after revealing that 18 arrests had been made there for sectarianism during last season, compared with 64 arrests for similar offences at Celtic Park.

This season, after just eight home games this season, 13 people have been arrested for sectarianism at Rangers' home ground.

Three were made at the game against Celtic in August, which Rangers won 3-1 and in which Celtic captain Neil Lennon was red-carded.

Arrests for sectarianism were also made at games against Hibs, Porto and Dunfermline.

The figures don't reveal whether those arrested were Rangers fans.

But Mr Murray believes the battle is now being won though he concedes there is "still a bit to go".

He said: "Every football club has them. There are still a few people who don't behave correctly and we are aiming at them. But Rangers fans should be applauded.

"Our behaviour has improved dramatically."

Policing at Celtic Park was praised last year for cracking down on sectarianism, which inspired anti-bigotry charity Nil By Mouth to write to First Minister Jack McConnell demanding officers at all matches arrest people displaying sectarian behaviour.

Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Smith said all match commanders had been told of operational practices developed last season across the area.

Source: Evening Times