Police find ‘no criminality’ in Rangers title celebration video

Police have found no criminality after investigating a video involving Rangers players celebrating lifting the Premiership trophy.

A clip shared across social media following the team’s win over Aberdeen on May 15 had been reported to Police Scotland.

It was alleged that sectarian language was used in add-ons to the Neil Diamond song Sweet Caroline as players celebrated inside Ibrox.

After “extensive inquiries”, however, police have said that was not the case.

In relation to a video circulating on social media showing Rangers players allegedly using sectarian language on Saturday 15 May, extensive enquiries have been carried out and no criminality has been established. pic.twitter.com/PHnFseQu5q

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) May 21, 2021

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “In relation to a video circulating on social media showing Rangers players allegedly using sectarian language on Saturday, May 15, extensive enquiries have been carried out and no criminality has been established.”

Rangers said in a statement that they welcomed the outcome of the investigation, and had initiated legal proceedings over comments made linked to the video.

It read: “Rangers welcomes the outcome of the Police Scotland investigation into a video involving some of our players and staff.

“Whilst we were confident that no criminality took place, we recognised that we had a duty to assist Police. Furthermore, given some of the attempts to spread false narratives, we had to protect the reputation of individuals involved.

“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.

“We can confirm that we have initiated legal proceedings against certain individuals for comments made this week.”

Club Statement: https://t.co/DpCJsCa2WE pic.twitter.com/WGhuK1A8c0

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 21, 2021

The Scottish Conservatives hit out at Humza Yousaf for sharing the video.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Jamie Greene MSP, said: “It is a ludicrous situation that Scotland’s then justice minister thought it was appropriate to pre-judge a police inquiry off the back of a social media video and demand action without substance to his claims.

“Instead of acting responsibly as a Cabinet Secretary, Humza Yousaf was shamelessly pandering to certain sections of the SNP base and seems to have, disappointingly, let his own personal feelings cloud his judgement.

“His actions were clearly foolish but beyond that, they were irresponsible. He should apologise to the players and staff for getting this so badly wrong and apologise to the public for failing in his duty to calm down tensions, instead of stoking them up without foundation.”

"Humza Yousaf should apologise to the players and staff for getting this so badly wrong and apologise to the public for failing in his duty to calm down tensions, instead of stoking them up without foundation."

Full statement from @ScotTories justice spokesman @jamiegreeneUK 👇 https://t.co/71GxSZlA2h pic.twitter.com/Vld7qyK91B

— Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) May 21, 2021

After police announced they were investigating earlier this week, Rangers had made a statement saying that the club had sought legal advice and was confident no such language was used.

The statement read: “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.’”

The club hit out at the video being shared online, including by then justice secretary Humza Yousaf.

The statement added: “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.”