Rangers celebration video 'edited to include sectarian abuse'

Police say a video of Rangers players and staff celebrating the club’s Scottish Premiership title was “edited to include sectarian language”.

Officers had been investigating a video involving Rangers football players allegedly using sectarian language during their league title celebrations.

In a clip circulated on social media, a group of players are seen singing along to the song, ‘Sweet Caroline’, at Ibrox Stadium.

The celebrations came after the club were presented with the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday, May 15, following a 4-0 victory against Aberdeen.

However, following an extensive investigation, officers said last month that no criminality had taken place. And now – in response to a Freedom of Information request – Police Scotland say their assessment is the video was edited to include sectarian language.

The FOI response said: “On Monday, 17 May Police Scotland learned of a video circulating on various social media platforms, including TikTok, which appeared to show Rangers players singing along to a song whereby language of a sectarian nature could be heard.

“Enquiries were made by Greater Glasgow CID with full cooperation from Rangers Football Club.

“Witnesses who were present at the time were spoken to and no reports of sectarian language were made. A mobile device was provided to the police by a member of the group which had video recorded footage of the players singing the song in question.

“Specialists from Police Scotland’s Cyber Crime Unit reviewed the video and confirmed this was an original recording and that it had not been edited in any way. No sectarian language was heard.

“The assessment by Police Scotland is that the video circulated on social media was edited to include sectarian language.”

Scotland’s then justice secretary Humza Yousaf said last month it is right that Police Scotland investigate and determine the facts around the video.

He also called for anyone found guilty of using anti-catholic language to be “shown the door”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All issues such as this are rightly and properly investigated by the police.”

Meanwhile, Rangers initiated legal proceedings “against certain individuals” after police established that no criminality had taken place.

The Ibrox club said in a statement: “This is a stark reminder to those in senior positions within society who should be cognisant of their influence, responsibility and the consequences of their actions on others.