SoccerShorts: Rangers chairman David Murray last night hit back at Celtic manager Martin O'Neill's claims that the Ibrox fans are racist and reminded officials at both clubs of their "responsibility in ensuring safety and fair play". The Celtic boss made the allegation following a stormy Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Saturday, won 2-0 by Rangers, which saw two Celtic men sent off.
O'Neill said Neil Lennon had been "verbally abused in a racial and sectarian manner" throughout the game by Rangers fans and this was the reason for O'Neill's and Lennon's fist-pumping salute to the visiting supporters after the final whistle. But Murray issued a statement describing O'Neill's claims as "not acceptable" before calling for calm on both sides. He said: "We should, without doubt, guard against broad generalisations by individuals that endeavour to blacken the name of Rangers FC and stereotype our fans as racist bigots. This is not acceptable.
"The vast majority of those that support and follow our club are decent, respectable people and it would be wrong for me just to sit back and allow them to be condemned in this way. Collectively, we should remind ourselves that there remains a minimum of two Old Firm games still to be played this season and both clubs should appreciate their responsibility in ensuring safety and fair play, irrespective of the result."
Celtic's plc chairman Brian Quinn, however, has backed O'Neill. He said: "I think some of the discussion of the incidents on Saturday has been misplaced. What the manager did was to show support for someone who had taken an enormous amount of abuse. Martin was saying: 'Don't despair, we're with you.' And why shouldn't a manager be like that? I would support Martin in that respect too."
Many Rangers fans have called for the SFA to take action against O'Neill, claiming his comments have brought the game into disrepute. The game's governing body have ruled that out but they have invited the Celtic manager to make a complaint through the official channels.
Football chiefs welcome ban
Football chiefs last night welcomed the five-year ban handed to the Blackburn fan who racially abused Dwight Yorke. Jason Perryman (22) was caught on television hurling monkey chants and gesturing towards Yorke as the Birmingham striker warmed up during the 3-3 draw on Sunday. Perryman, of Chorley, Lancashire, admitted at Blackburn Magistrates Court to an offence of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour and was banned from attending matches in England and Wales until 2009. He was also fined £1,000 with £75 costs.
A joint statement read: "The FA and the Premier League have welcomed the five-year banning order imposed on Jason Perryman for racially-aggravated abuse aimed at Birmingham City's Dwight Yorke. The FA and the Premier League condemns any form of racism and we welcome the strongest possible action against anyone identified as engaging in racist behaviour. Blackburn Rovers and the police are to be applauded for acting quickly and decisively in this case."
A second fan, David Ashcroft (21), pleaded not guilty to a second charge following Sunday's game. He was bailed to reappear at the court on December 22nd.
In Brief
Stockport managing director Kevan Taylor has expressed concern at the club's current league position, but has denied manager Sammy McIlroy has been sacked. County are bottom of League One with only 10 points from their 18 games and are eight points from safety. The English Football Association are set to announce their new chief executive today with ITV head of sport Brian Barwick the favourite to land the role. The Scottish Football Association yesterday dismissed claims Philippe Troussier could become the next manager of the national team.
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