Rangers boycott social media over racism directed at players

Rangers have announced they will boycott social media in protest of racist comments directed at players online.

From 7pm on Thursday, players and management will take part in a one-week boycott to highlight the issue.

The club said the boycott is to “underline the ongoing concerns over a lack of accountability and responsibility from social media outlets.”

Rangers added that the club are “concerned with the daily racist abuse our players have to endure”.

It comes as Rangers player Glen Kamara said he wished he had walked off the pitch after being racially abused by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela.

Rangers 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 at 7pm for one week.”