Justice Secretary calls for Rangers to sack players if found guilty of 'anti-Catholic hatred'

Humza Yousaf has called for Rangers to sack any players found guilty of "anti-Catholic hatred".

The Justice Secretary was speaking after Police Scotland launched an investigation into a video shared widely on social media - reportedly taken during a party following the club's Scottish Premier league-winning match on Saturday - which allegedly shows players and staff shouting "f*** the pope" while dancing to Sweet Caroline.

In a statement released online, Police Scotland said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media apparently showing Rangers players using sectarian language while celebrating on Saturday.

"We are assessing its contents and will liaise with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as part of our enquiries."

Yousaf tweeted: "I have also been made aware of this clip, if (and I stress if) this clip is genuine then any player or staff member found to be guilty of anti-Catholic hatred should be shown the door by the Club.

"It is right Police Scot investigate & determine the facts around it."

In a statement, Rangers said it was "confident no criminality took place" and said it was "deeply concerned" the video had been "taken as genuine".

The Ibrox club said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media. It is evident that this video was shared with an adjoining narrative which attempts to discredit our players and the reputation of Rangers Football Club. This highlights the dangers of ‘trial by social media.’

"It is deeply concerning that this video has been taken as genuine and has been shared widely including by some political representatives who should be mindful of their influence and legal processes.

"Our squad is richly diverse. Sectarianism is unacceptable and has no place in our club which is underlined by our Everyone Anyone campaign.

"We are confident that no criminality took place, we have sought legal advice and look forward to cooperating with Police Scotland."

Over the weekend, five police officers were injured and 28 people were arrested after Rangers fans rampaged through Glasgow city centre. 

The club released a statement blaming a "small minority" of supporters for the violence.

Calum Steele, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, told the BBC that some of his members described Saturday’s clash in Glasgow City Centre “as some of the worst violence that they’ve experienced in over 20 years of police service.”

In their statement, released on Monday morning, Rangers said: "We are grateful to Scottish Government officials, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland for the constructive engagement in the lead up to the weekend’s game. We worked closely with the authorities for two weeks before Saturday’s match to ensure a consistency of message."

The statement continued: "Sadly, a small minority of people behaved inappropriately and in a manner not reflective of our support.

"Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club.

"These so called ‘fans’ should reflect upon the values and ethos of our club, and consider the damage this does to the reputation of the club.

"We will continue to engage with authorities as required."