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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Claire Galloway

Cops launch probe into alleged 'sectarian and anti-Catholic' chants from Rangers fans ahead of Celtic clash

Cops have launched a probe into 'sectarian and anti-Catholic' chants by Rangers fans before Sunday's clash with Celtic.

A group of supporters were escorted to Hampden Park by officers ahead of the club's 2-1 over their rivals on Sunday.

Police confirmed they are now investigating alleged sectarian chants after 'video evidence footage' was taken at the time, reports the Scottish Sun.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow said: "The Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Sunday 17 April was a large and complex operation that involved officers working with a range of partners across the country to ensure the match went ahead safely and with minimal disruption to the wider public.

“Police Scotland had a proportionate plan in place to support the event and to deal swiftly with acts of violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“Prior to kick off a group of Rangers supporters were escorted to the stadium.

"The focus of the policing operation at this time was public safety and the quick movement away from an area where there was a high risk of disorder between supporter groups.

“Video evidence footage was taken at that time and enquiries are now ongoing into alleged sectarian and anti-Catholic singing from those being escorted.

“Anti-Catholic and indeed all forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable and today’s events again remind us of the ongoing challenges we have in some parts of Scotland with sectarianism.

“Police Scotland must of course play its part in a wider and joined up response and I expect arrests to be made following today’s match.”

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