SFA investigate 'inappropriate' Rangers tweets by St Mirren chairman

The Scottish FA has opened an investigation into comments made on social media about Rangers fans by St Mirren chairman John Needham.

Needham, who took up the role at the Paisley club this summer and has been a board member since 2020, posted messages on Twitter earlier this year, with an earlier tweet in 2015 calling Rangers fans “h**s”.

Another message earlier this year was in reply to a photograph of thousands of Rangers supporters crossing a Glasgow bridge, with Needham saying: “Here’s hoping the Squinty Bridge tips as well. Second thoughts… the pollution would be awful.”

The tweet was followed by a ‘laughing’ emoji.

The St Mirren chairman has since tweeted an apology, saying that the messages were “inappropriate” and expressing regret, claiming that they do not reflect his character.

Rangers have written to the Paisley club, the SFA and the SPFL about the comments.

As an official at an SPFL club, Needham is bound by the rules of the Scottish FA and football’s governing body has now begun an investigation.

If the SFA’s compliance officer finds that there is evidence he feels actionable then a disciplinary case may be brought against Needham.

The comments could be in breach of Rule 77, which reads: “A recognised football body, club, official, team official, other member of team staff, player, match official or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall, at all times, act in the best interests of Association Football.

“Furthermore such person or body shall not act in any manner which is improper or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

The punishment for club officials who break the rule would normally be a fine.

St Mirren have been contacted for comment.