Rangers announce social media protest against online and racist abuse

Rangers players and management will withdraw from social media for a week in protest at ongoing abuse over online platforms and ‘levels of hate spiralling out of control’.

Ibrox Stadium. Picture: (Craig Foy / SNS Group)

As of 7pm on Thursday evening the players and management boycotted all accounts and called for accountability from online platforms over abuse being suffered.

The club has highlighted daily racist abuse being endured by players and plans to meet with Facebook and Instagram bosses to express their concerns.

Glen Kamara – who was allegedly abused during a Europa League match last month – has opened up on abuse he has suffered online, as have both Kemar Roofe and club captain James Tavernier in recent weeks.

Glen Kamara has spoken out at the abuse he has suffered. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Announcing the plans on rangers.co.uk, Managing Director, Stewart Robertson said: “We can confirm that as a board and as a club, we are fully behind our players and management on this issue.

“Furthermore, we have arranged to meet Facebook and Instagram to underline our growing concerns.

“Having spoken to a wide range of clubs across the United Kingdom, we know these concerns are shared by all clubs and it is fair to say everyone is losing patience with the lack of action from social media companies.

“Rangers hope is that clear and direct action is taken from social media platforms. The basic verification of users, as part of the sign-up process, to any social media platform, will ensure that users are both identifiable and accountable for their actions and words. We will raise this next week in our scheduled meetings.

“Rangers has driven its flagship Everyone Anyone campaign forward rigorously, drawing praise and support from fellow clubs, governing bodies and politicians, and we will continue to stand firmly against all forms of discrimination. Enough is enough.

“We would hope that social media companies recognise the benefit of verified accounts. If they don’t, it is time for government to step in and legislate. As a club, we will continue to consider all options which increase pressure on social media platforms until they begin working proactively in the interests of wider society.

“The Rangers players and management will begin their boycott from today (April 8) at 7pm for one week.”

Thierry Henry is another of a growing number of high-profile figures boycotting social media while call for more accountability from the companies.

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