Police condemn Rangers fans over sectarian songs at friendly match

Central Scotland Police has criticised the "disappointing" behaviour shown by some of the club's support during the fixture against Stirling Albion.

The force said the controversial singing on Tuesday evening, prompted a series of warnings by officials at the Stirling club.

The incident did not result in any arrests, but Rangers has asked for CCTV footage from the game in order to investigate.

It comes just days after a meeting of the joint action group set up to tackle sectarianism and anti-social behaviour. While emergency legislation to combat football-related hate crimes has been delayed, the group intends to consult on a range of measures, including codes of conduct for supporters and players.

Central Scotland Police said Stirling Albion issued a warning about the singing to the section of Rangers fans over the PA system at their Doubletree Dunblane Stadium early in the match, before a further announcement relating to the behaviour was made at halftime.

A spokeswoman said: "There was sectarian singing from a section of the visiting support, leading to warnings from the club (Stirling Albion] during the first half.

"Towards the end of the half, there was discussion between police and the club about pausing the match to allow further warnings to be delivered. It was decided to wait a short time and deliver such warnings at halftime. This again was done by the club."

Denying suggestions that officers had called for the match to be abandoned, she added: "At no time did police recommend the match be called off."

Despite concerns over singing, no arrests were made at the game, which Rangers won by one goal to nil. After Stirling Albion issued a warning, the police presence at the match was increased in the second half.

The police spokeswoman said: "Increased policing and stewarding during the second half led to a reduction in this behaviour. The focus of police was to ensure the safety of all people attending, and no arrests were made.

"Events will, however, be subject to further review, including liaison with clubs via the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland football subgroup.

"It is disappointing that so-called fans have seen fit to disrupt this event and to tarnish the name of their club in this way."

A flare was also let off among the Rangers section during the game, sending smoke billowing through the stands.A video appeared on YouTube yesterday which appeared to show fans breaking into a chant of "We'll sing what we want".

The police spokeswoman stressed it was only a "minority" of Rangers supporters who were responsible.

A Stirling Albion spokesman said: "The announcements made were made on the instruction of the match commander."

A spokesman for Rangers said they had asked Central Scotland Police for CCTV footage so the club can "investigate" the allegations. He added: "We are looking into this as we have received a variety of reports about fan behaviour, ranging from praise to allegations of sectarian singing by one small group."