Rangers issue warning over songs

10 December 2010 17:30

Rangers fans were warned again today by the Ibrox club not to engage in any sectarian singing at games.

The Light Blues supporters were warned about their contentious repertoire before the Champions League clash with Manchester United at Ibrox last month.

Ahead of the trip to Inverness in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Rangers' official website reminded fans that "the club is at serious risk of punishment by footballing authorities if sectarian behaviour is in evidence among its fans".

The statement continued: "This includes the singing of songs such as the Billy Boys, which is banned by UEFA, and the Famine Song, which has led to people being arrested and convicted in the past."

Head of safety and security at Ibrox David Martin said: "Our fans have given us tremendous backing in Europe this season and we want that to continue in our domestic matches.

"As Martin Bain has previously stated, the majority of our supporters agree there is no place at Rangers for sectarian singing and the fans and the club have made great strides in recent years to address this behaviour.

"Unfortunately, we still have an element of the support who insist on singing offensive songs, particularly at domestic away matches in the SPL.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the club is at risk of punishment at all matches, domestic and European, and fans risk arrest if they participate in sectarian singing.

"Fans who engage in such behaviour only let themselves, other supporters and the club down.

"Problematic behaviour by supporters at away matches is not unique to Rangers but as a club, we are determined to tackle this issue."

Source: PA