Police to investigate threatening messages sent to Kevin Clancy
The Scottish FA reported messages directed towards Clancy to the police
Last updated 11th Apr 2023
Police Scotland have launched an investigation into threatening messages sent to referee Kevin Clancy following Saturday's Old Firm clash.
Clancy's personal and professional contact details were also published on social media following the game.
The Scottish FA and Rangers have condemned the messages with the governing body making a report to police.
They have now confirmed they will look into messages directed towards Clancy to establish any criminal behaviour.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are investigating alleged threatening communications which were reported to us by the SFA today (Tuesday, 11 April).
"All reports of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness and will be investigated thoroughly.
"We will provide support to those affected as our investigation progresses."
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "The nature of the messages goes way beyond criticism of performance and perceived decision-making - some are potentially criminal in nature and include threats and abuse towards Kevin and his family.
"We have referred the correspondence to the police and condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms, as well as the posting of a referee's personal details online with the sole purpose of causing distress.
"Football is our national game. It improves and saves lives. Without referees, there is no game, and while decisions will always be debated with or without the use of VAR, we cannot allow a situation to develop where a referee's privacy and safety, and those of his family, are compromised.
"We all have a responsibility to protect our game and those essential to it."
A Rangers spokesperson said: "Firstly, Rangers condemns in the strongest terms any abuse of match officials. We are all passionate about our game, but targeted, personal abuse of referees cannot be tolerated.
"The club can confirm the Scottish FA has responded with regards to the disallowed Alfredo Morelos goal, with the response claiming the correct decision was taken. The club is astonished by this, especially given most observers, including former referees and former players, could see no issue with the goal standing.
"This comes following a weekend in England where PGMOL have offered an apology to Brighton and Hove Albion for the non-award of a penalty in their match with Tottenham Hotspur, alongside a pledge to review the incident.
"While an apology does not alter the outcome of a match, such responsibility and openness would be welcome in Scotland."
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