Rangers fans have been condemned the two Old Firm giants after footage of their ‘sickening’ racist chant of Kyogo Furuhashi emerged.
Gers have launched an investigation after the video, from a supporters’ bus, which was posted on Sunday afternoon, when Steven Gerrard’s side were in Dingwall for a 4-2 victory over Ross County.
Fans were seen singing racist songs and making offensive eye gestures to mobile phones. Of course these lads will no doubt claim it’s all ‘bants’, but this really just crosses the line, and then to have the nerve of posting it online, disgusting.
The racist scum at their very finest. Marc Newton from Bellshill in case the police want to visit him pic.twitter.com/sL8ajL9hFo
— Son of Ange (@SonofAnge1) August 22, 2021
Celtic said in a statement on Sunday evening: “If reports are accurate then such sickening and pathetic racist behaviour directed towards Kyogo Furuhashi deserves absolute condemnation.
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“Unfortunately, a number of Celtic players in recent years have suffered similar racist abuse. As a club open to all, we stand firmly against racism in all its forms and we will give Kyogo our full support.
“All stakeholders must work together in tackling all forms of bigotry.”
In response to the footage, which emerged at the weekend, a Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers condemns all forms of racism and discrimination.
“Those who indulge in such behaviour are not representative of our club or the loyal support who have stood by us through thick and thin.
“We are currently investigating to identify the individuals involved.”
We stand with Kyogo Furuhashi. ✊
Love Celtic, hate racism. 💚#CelticFC pic.twitter.com/0Yp2TfTICb
— celticfc.de | Celtic Fans Germany (@Celtic_DE) August 22, 2021
Furuhashi joined Celtic from Japanese side Vissel Kobe earlier this summer and scored a hat-trick on his home debut against Dundee earlier this month.
Furuhashi can play wide or through the middle and his 14 goals this season had him leading the scoring charts in his home country.
Postecoglou moved quick for a player who has been linked with the likes of PSV and Anderlecht for a player who previously played for Gifu.
The Celtic boss expressed his delight at securing the player who he competed with on a regular basis during his time Yokohama Marinos.
He told the clubs website: “We are delighted to bring Kyogo Furuhashi to Celtic. He is a player of real quality and clearly someone I know well.
“I think he will add something special to our squad and I am sure the way he plays will excite our supporters. We look forward to welcoming him to Celtic.”
Barcelona legend and former Kobe team-mate Andres Iniesta is convinced the new arrival has all the qualities to be a roaring success in Glasgow.
Iniesta said: “To be honest, he absolutely has the talent to play in Europe. He’s leading the J1’s scoring chart, but it’s not just that. He’s got strong technique, and I believe he can succeed in Europe.
“I’m sure he’s got scouts watching him already, but it’s going to be tough for us because he scores a lot of goals!
“It’ll be tough but if he goes to Europe I’ll be incredibly happy for him, because for Japanese players it’s a dream to play in Europe.”
He has five goals in seven games so far this season, and with Rangers set to host Celtic in the first Old Firm game of the season next weekend at Ibrox, live on Sky Sports, it’s clearly getting intense before it’s even begun.
The Hoops will be without supporters after Rangers controversially withdrew the offer of around 700 away tickets for the fixture.
The champions made the decision after Celtic were unable to guarantee that a similar arrangement would be in place for the return fixture at Parkhead in January.
Rangers fans were condemned after the ‘sickening’ racist chant of Kyogo Furuhashi…
@38821090G: Unfortunately calling out racist acts just ends up with old firm Twitter point scoring and useless shite, seen it bad both sides today. Main thing should be hoping Kyogo is doing alright and is not feeling unwelcome in our country now.
@TamsellicsonIII: Do them on Sunday wee man
@Shoops67: We all stood for Kamara and we will all stand behind Kyogo, this is not a footballing matter! Colour, gender, race, sexuality, we are all one! Anyone, everyone 🤝
@AKB67_: About time we defend our players spot on celtic
@GerryGreener31: The fear within propels the hatred. Silence them by scoring goals next week! I stand with Kyogo
@ewan_starrs: Kick out racism @Kyogo_Furuhashi we are all behind you they are just jealous of your talent
@AMc88_: Call out the club in question. Don’t let them hide from it as they have always done.
@HappyWorldAribo: Good racism has to be punished severly its absoloutly abhorrent, lifetime bans, racism has no colours
@Fellabluescarf: Enough of the point scoring. It’s been called out, ban those responsible, the supporters bus as well. Public apology, fine or jail.
@92Rangers: It’s a disgrace and it’s so annoying that fans like this exist in football. If they really loved Rangers like I do they wouldn’t do this. I know racism can be found anywhere but this time it’s our fans so hopefully we deal with it and these people are not at the old firm game.
@tiberline: It’s so sad when they feel it’s ok to do this , these people need educated and punished
@katedunbar61: Well spoken about time we stood up celtic we are all kyogo
@AngieGhirl1888: Shame on them, how could you be racist to anyone, never mind this ray of happiness talent wrapped up in a human
@Kydo_67: Love Celtic hate racism.
@ClaireyMac1888: This is so sad. He’s such a happy, lovable wee guy 😞 no one deserves such abuse, let alone Kyogo. We got your back. @Kyogo_Furuhashi 💚🤍🇯🇵🙏🏼
@_Missus_k: Our bhoy Kyogo has clearly given them cause for concern with jealousy being the obvious motive for their obscene behaviour but it’s 2021 and it has to stop now! #NoToRacism
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