Rangers beating bigots say Uefa

[Jon 0]

RANGERS have been praised by Uefa in their bid to rid the club of sectarian baggage.

The governing body fined the Ibrox club �£15,500 in June following an appeal against their own not guilty verdict for chanting at last season's Champions League ties against Villarreal.

They were warned that future misbehaviour could lead to heavier sanctions.

Rangers were also ordered to embark on a sustained campaign to ram home the message to fans that the minority must clean up their act.

So far that has included high profile Pride over Prejudice campaigns, a new song book being handed out to fans, and constant messages over the tannoy system that any sectarian singing will not be tolerated.

A special hotline number has also been set up for fans to shop those around them who they feel are indulging in inappropriate signing or behaviour.

And, in a Uefa document sent to every professional club in Europe - named Unite Against Racism - Rangers have been held up us a model of how clubs can tackle their problems.

"Religious hatred manifests itself in many forms in Scottish and Northern Irish football with on-going anti-Catholic and pro-Republican chanting and violence at football matches in Glasgow and Edinburgh," said Uefa.

"It might seem daunting to understand how a club could tackle a problem that has arisen from generations of conflict, or a history that refuses to go away.

"They (Rangers) have an in-house sectarian and racism monitoring committee that meets monthly to ensure Rangers consistently challenge any inappropriate behaviour.

"In addition, the club has entered into official protocol with its police force, whereby the identities of persons arrested for football related crimes are revealed and official warnings, as well as indefinite and lifetime bans, are imposed."

[stewarty 2,069]

Wow. I wonder how much this will be reported in the press? Actually, what I guess I mean is, how many of those hacks who got stuck in over this whole debacle will actually doff their caps with praise...

[br1ndy 0]

Great news! Where did u find this jon?

[Jon 0]

Mmmm how many do you seriously think will, I was amazed to find this tbh but is nice to hear.

[Jon 0]

Great news! Where did u find this jon?

 

On Newsnow but taken from the Evening Standard

[Mark-RFC 0]

Was in the evening Times the day

[Laudbertz 0]

Good to see its being recognized by the highest authorities in the game.

 

Its still early days, but alot has been accomplished in such a short time.

[CammyF 8,677]

Religious hatred manifests itself in many forms in Scottish and Northern Irish football with on-going anti-Catholic and pro-Republican chanting and violence at football matches in Glasgow and Edinburgh," said Uefa.

 

This is the clearest indication yet that whilst Timmy got what they wanted regarding Rangers and UEFA, that they are also in UEFA sights.

 

Whilst we are being praised for our actions and being held up as anti-racism / anti-sectarian role model, the TIMS chants are finally being put under the spotlight and deemed as inappropriate.

 

Cammy F

[fraser54 0]

great to see that they are noticing

hopefully they will hammer down on celtic as well

[Wija 0]

The only thing I see wrong with this is that it is only the anti catholic and anti republican chanting being raised as an issue.

 

What about anti black, anti Protestant, Anti Queen. Also the death of Rangers fans and also Rangers players. Although these are not racist (the last 2) or religious they are surely inciteful. And why should people who are Unionist not chant anti republican songs etc....