Rangers captain's chants warning

Barry Ferguson thanked fans for their positive support

Rangers fans have been warned about sectarian singing by their club captain on the eve of the Old Firm derby.

Midfielder Barry Ferguson urged fans to heed recent warnings, issued after a Uefa fine for sectarian chanting.

He added: "I'm sure our fans won't let us down and the players thank all those who have shown us great support."

The derby at Celtic Park on Saturday is the first to take place since the introduction of orders which could see fans banned from football for 10 years.

Laurence Macintyre, Rangers' head of safety, said: "We have made significant progress since the start of the season.

Offensive songs

"We appeal to our supporters travelling to Parkhead on Saturday to once again show their support of our anti-sectarian policies."

Jim Templeton, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, said: "Rangers fans have been praised for their behaviour at Ibrox this season.

"We should be proud of that but we all need to continue our efforts."

Earlier this month, Celtic Chairman Brian Quinn urged fans not to sing offensive songs and chants.

Football banning orders were introduced by the Scottish Executive on 1 September, giving courts the powers to ban supporters from all games for up to 10 years.