der kleine Doktor
11-25-2004, 04:48 AM
Murray defends fans in Old Firm ‘racism’ row
By David McVay
DAVID MURRAY, the Rangers chairman, last night responded vigorously to criticism of the club’s supporters made by Martin O’Neill, the Celtic manager. In a statement on the Rangers website, Murray said: “Much has been reported in the media on last Saturday’s match. It is correct the SFA will analyse in detail events both on and off the pitch.
“We should, without doubt, guard against broad generalisations by individuals that endeavour to blacken the name of Rangers FC and stereotype our fans as racist bigots. This is not acceptable.”
Earlier in the day Alex McLeish, the Rangers manager, declined to comment on the issue after being advised by Murray and the Ibrox board. Murray continued his defence of the fans by saying: “The vast majority of those that support and follow our club are decent, respectable people and it would be wrong for me just to sit back and allow them to be condemned in this way.
“Collectively, we should remind ourselves that there remains a minimum of two Old Firm games still to be played and both clubs should appreciate their responsibility in ensuring safety and fair play, irrespective of the result.”
The SFA yesterday invited Celtic to make an official complaint over their claim that there had been “racial and sectarian” abuse targeted at Neil Lennon, the Catholic midfield player. And the SFA also made it clear that O’Neill would not be facing charges of bringing the game into disrepute for making the controversial accusation in the first place.
The police have also said they have no plans to speak to any of the players.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,438-1373629,00.html
By David McVay
DAVID MURRAY, the Rangers chairman, last night responded vigorously to criticism of the club’s supporters made by Martin O’Neill, the Celtic manager. In a statement on the Rangers website, Murray said: “Much has been reported in the media on last Saturday’s match. It is correct the SFA will analyse in detail events both on and off the pitch.
“We should, without doubt, guard against broad generalisations by individuals that endeavour to blacken the name of Rangers FC and stereotype our fans as racist bigots. This is not acceptable.”
Earlier in the day Alex McLeish, the Rangers manager, declined to comment on the issue after being advised by Murray and the Ibrox board. Murray continued his defence of the fans by saying: “The vast majority of those that support and follow our club are decent, respectable people and it would be wrong for me just to sit back and allow them to be condemned in this way.
“Collectively, we should remind ourselves that there remains a minimum of two Old Firm games still to be played and both clubs should appreciate their responsibility in ensuring safety and fair play, irrespective of the result.”
The SFA yesterday invited Celtic to make an official complaint over their claim that there had been “racial and sectarian” abuse targeted at Neil Lennon, the Catholic midfield player. And the SFA also made it clear that O’Neill would not be facing charges of bringing the game into disrepute for making the controversial accusation in the first place.
The police have also said they have no plans to speak to any of the players.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,438-1373629,00.html