McCoist sidesteps sectarian issue

17 February 2009 14:29
It is understood SPL match delegate Alan Dick could mention some of the chants and songs that came from the Light Blues' support during Sunday's goalless draw at Celtic Park.[LNB]Dick reported Rangers to the SPL in August 2007 following the Ibrox club's trip to Inverness.[LNB]There was no action taken then, only warnings of future possible sanctions, as the SPL board took into account the club's efforts to eradicate unacceptable conduct by some of their supporters.[LNB]That incident at the Caledonian Stadium came just nine days after the launch of Rangers' 'Follow With Pride' campaign, which was aimed at cleaning up the club's image by ending sectarian and other abusive chanting.[LNB]Rangers had previously been fined on two occasions by UEFA for offensive chanting in Champions League and UEFA Cup matches, amounting to in excess of £21,000.[LNB]The SPL would come under pressure to act if they are presented with evidence of mores transgressions.[LNB]However, McCoist, who will take charge of the Ibrox side for Wednesday's Homecoming Scottish Cup trip to Forfar, said: "I don't know enough about it.[LNB]"I don't know what the delegate said in his report; I've not seen anything so I wouldn't comment on it."[LNB]Meanwhile the Rangers Supporters Trust has warned they will question the motives of the SPL's unacceptable conduct policy if the club's fans are reported for alleged sectarian chanting.[LNB]RST spokesman David Edgar said another black mark against the supporters' reputation would, in their eyes, raise questions about the SPL's agenda.[LNB]"While it is difficult to comment until we've seen the report, we are looking forward to an even-handed and consistent approach to the application of this legislation," Edgar said.[LNB]"We find it hard to believe that Rangers fans are the only fans in the country who have ever sung an offensive song; yet we are the only ones who have been reported under the rules.[LNB]"There were instances of distasteful chanting coming from both ends on Sunday but, yet again, the focus is only on one set of fans.[LNB]"It therefore becomes very difficult for the supporters to understand what is going on.[LNB]"Are the rules genuinely in place to eradicate offensive chanting or simply to punish Rangers?[LNB]"What about Aberdeen fans singing about the Ibrox disaster or Celtic fans singing about Nacho Novo and the IRA?[LNB]"We are committed to ridding Scottish football of all genuinely offensive chanting and Rangers fans have responded magnificently over the last couple of years.[LNB]"However, we are left with wondering if this is a rule for all the SPL clubs or are a rule simply for Rangers."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk