Rangers fans under fire over famine song
SENIOR Irish diplomats have raised concerns with the Scottish Parliament over singing by some Rangers supporters at last month's Old Firm match.
Some fans of the 'Teddy Bears' allegedly made derogatory comments during a song in reference to the Irish Famine.
The issue was raised by a concerned Celtic fan who brought his grievances to the Irish consul general in Edinburgh.
In the chanting during Rangers 4-2 victory over their fierce rivals at Celtic Park, supporters reportedly sang: "they raped and fondled their kids" and asked them, "the Famine's over, why don't you go home?".
The Irish Famine, which occured in the mid-1800s caused the death of over one million people and forced a mass exodus of inhabitants to the USA.
A spokesman for Rangers confirmed the club had received a number of reports and investigations were continuing.
"In the days following the recent Old Firm match, the club were made aware that a substantial number of complaints had been made regarding the singing of the chorus of a song known as 'The Famine Song' by our supporters at this match," he said.
"Rangers Football Club approached Strathclyde Police for guidance on this matter, with a view to issuing a joint statement indicating that persons singing this song in future may face the possibility of arrest.
"Strathclyde Police were not able to commit to this until they had carried out further investigation."
The Scottish Government have made no comment on the issue.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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