Rangers spared chanting sanctions

Rangers fans have been warned over their future conduct

Rangers have escaped punishment following an inquiry into sectarian chanting heard from their supporters during the SPL game against Inverness.

An SPL board of inquiry decided the club had been pro-active in tackling sectarianism within its fanbase.

But the board warned Rangers of future sanctions if supporters indulged in sectarian chanting in the future.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain welcomed the decision and said the club was working to eradicate sectarianism.

Sectarian chanting could be heard from the visiting fans during the opening SPL match of the season at the Caledonian Stadium on 4 August.

The chanting was noted in the SPL delegate's report and the board of inquiry subsequently launched an investigation into the incident.

This decision does not mean that offensive singing and chanting will be tolerated Rangers chief executive Martin Bain

SPL secretary Iain Blair acknowledged Rangers had attempted to tackle the problem but warned that future misconduct would result in Rangers being referred to an SPL commission, with the risk of sanctions.

"The SPL is fully committed to working with its clubs, other football authorities and the police to develop and implement strategies and policies which will lead to the eradication of unacceptable conduct, particularly sectarianism, within senior professional football in Scotland," said Blair.

The board also stated: "Rangers had voluntarily provided a number of additional stewards at the match, whose primary task was to work within its support to identify persons engaged in unacceptable conduct.

"Those stewards identified a number of persons engaged in such conduct and measures are being taken by Rangers FC to deal with the individuals in question.

"Such measures are likely to include the revocation of ticketing rights, removal of season tickets and life bans from Ibrox."

Bain said Rangers were determined to eradicate the problem from within their support - and he praised supporters' groups for their efforts.

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"We are pleased the SPL has recognised that our club had done everything it could to prevent unacceptable conduct by supporters at the match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle," said Rangers' chief executive.

"The SPL has made clear what is expected of clubs and I am pleased that the board has recognised the substantial efforts this club makes in tackling unacceptable behaviour.

"This decision does not mean that offensive singing and chanting will be tolerated.

"We fully recognise that, if such behaviour continues, the footballing authorities will take further action."