Rangers chief Stewart Robertson hits out at racial abuse of Alfredo Morelos

Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson says any supporters who do not back anti-racism sentiments from the club’s players are ‘not welcome’ at Ibrox.

Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson, pictured launching the ‘Everyone, Anyone’ Rangers fan charter in February, has condemned racist abuse of striker Alfredo Morelos. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Robertson has confirmed that online racist abuse of striker Alfredo Morelos is now being treated as a hate crime and investigated by Police Scotland.

Rangers defender Connor Goldson earlier hit out at ‘hate and ignorance’ in online responses to pictures he and club captain James Tavernier posted of players taking the knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement before the friendly matches against Lyon and Nice in France.

Robertson has now stepped in to offer unequivocal support for the club’s black players with a strongly-worded statement on the official Rangers website.

“Alfredo Morelos was the victim of racist abuse via social media on Friday evening,” said Robertson. “This hate crime is now subject of a police investigation.

“This is unacceptable, cannot be tolerated and must be condemned by everyone in Scottish football and society as a whole.

“Furthermore, as a club, we stand firmly behind our players who have taken a knee prior to recent games. This is a strong stance against racism.

“We will work tirelessly to protect our players every single day and will not tolerate the abuse or hatred that some have had to endure in recent days.

“To be clear, if you are unable to support our players, regardless of their background, you are not welcome at Ibrox. Rangers is a club for all.

“‘Everyone Anyone’, our groundbreaking diversity and inclusion initiative, celebrates its first anniversary on Wednesday. Recent incidents highlight the importance of our campaign which we will continue to drive forward.”