Videos of fans chanting anti-Irish slurs have appeared on social media since the weekend

A charity has spoken out after receiving a host of complaints about videos containing anti-Irish and anti-Catholic slurs.

Show Racism the Red Card said it had been sent hundreds of videos featuring hateful language in the wake of Rangers receiving the Scottish Premier League trophy on Saturday (15 May).

The charity said the videos have been passed to Police Scotland. A statement from Show Racism the Red Card said: “Our education charity is saddened to receive hundreds of videos since Saturday containing hateful and racist language aimed at Scotland’s Irish Catholic communities.

“Religious intolerance and xenophobia must never be allowed to become normalised. Anti-Irish and anti-Catholic hatred in all its forms must be challenged and treated with the seriousness it deserves, in order to create a safer society for all.

“We must do better so that we can achieve a future free from racism and prejudice. These videos have been passed to Police Scotland.”

A group of around 15,000 Rangers fans ignored pleas from Police Scotland, the Scottish Government and the club to celebrate the club’s title win at home, and gathered at Ibrox stadium before making their way to George Square.

Five police officers were injured in the chaos that followed in Glasgow city centre on Saturday evening, with 28 people arrested as they were dispersed from the square.

There was fighting on the streets, with several assaults taking place, property damaged, flares thrown at officers and fans were also heard chanting anti-Catholic songs. Several videos have surfaced of fans chanting and singing statements of a sectarian nature.

Anti-sectarianism charity Nil by Mouth tweeted: “Utterly depressing to receive widespread reports of sectarian chanting and abuse in Glasgow City Centre yesterday (Saturday). There is NEVER any moral, sporting or cultural excuse for such bigotry and actions.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "To say I’m utterly disgusted by the Rangers fans who rampaged through the city would be an understatement.

"I’m also angry on behalf of every law abiding citizen. In normal times, the violence and vandalism, and the vile anti-Catholic prejudice that was on display, would have been utterly unacceptable.

"But mid-pandemic, in a city with cases on the rise, it was also selfish beyond belief.

"People across the country still living under the most difficult restrictions - not able to see family or attend weddings and funerals - are rightly furious at the irresponsible actions of a thuggish minority who seem to care little for the risks they pose to other people."

Police Scotland has said it will continue to investigate and bring to justice those found to have broken the law.

A statement from 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.

“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.”