Man in court over online abuse of Rangers chairman

A MAN is due to appear in court next month over allegations that he posted a message menacing the former Rangers chairman Sandy Easdale.

Former Rangers chairman Sandy Easdale. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Stewart McNeill, 37, is said to have put the message on Rangers fans’ alternative website Sons of Struth.

McNeill, of Balfron, Stirlingshire, is accused of breaching the Telecommunications Act by sending a message to the Sons of Struth website that was grossly offensive or of menacing character.

It is alleged that in the post, on January 19th [2015], McNeill “attempted to incite persons reading the message” to harm Mr Easdale, owner of Greenock-based McGill’s Buses, his family, or his property.

At Stirling Sheriff Court today, solicitor Virgil Crawford, acting for McNeill, asked for the case to be continued without plea.

He said: “This is a slightly unusual case, with a slightly unusual background.”

He added that further enquiries are still to be made.

Sheriff William Wood continued the case until August 18.

The Sons of Struth fans group is named after legendary Rangers manager Bill Struth, who led the club for 34 years between 1920 and 1954, during which time he oversaw 18 Scottish championships, five of which were in succession, between 1927 and 1931.