Sport

Rangers supporters who chanted 'racist song' about Celtic player are banned by club 'indefinitely'

RANGERS have banned a group of supporters who allegedly chanted a racist song about Celtic's Japanese forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

On Sunday, footage emerged online of several 'Gers fans on a supporters's bus prior to their match against Ross County, singing an unsavoury song about Furuhashi, which many deemed to be racially insensitive.

It's understood that fans were seen chanting 'Let's all do the Kyogo' before making an offensive eye gesture.

Representatives of Rangers said an investigation would take place, and it took less than 24 hours for action to be brought to the individuals involved.

As well as banning the fans chanting the song, the club also confirmed that the Rangers Supporters Club (RSC) they were travelling with would also be denied access to match tickets, indefinitely.

In a statement, the club said: "Rangers can confirm that an investigation is now complete in regard to a video circulating on social media yesterday.

"The individuals involved have all be identified and will be banned indefinitely from all Rangers games.

"Furthermore the RSC of which they were members and travelled with to the game have been banned from receiving tickets for future fixtures."

Celtic described the video as "sickening and pathetic racist behaviour" which deserved "absolute condemnation".

"Unfortunately, a number of Celtic players in recent years have suffered similar racist abuse," the club said.

"As a club open to all, we stand firmly against racism in all its forms and we will give Kyogo our full support."

Furuhashi joined Celtic in July from Japanese club Vissel Kobe, and has already bagged six goals in seven matches so far this season for the Glasgow club.

The 26-year-old took to social media to thank fans who have supported him over the last few days.

"I'll never walk alone. #SayNoToRacism," he tweeted on Monday.