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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Liam Bryce

Police investigating alleged racist abuse aimed at Rangers star Alfredo Morelos

Police have confirmed they are investigating alleged racist abuse aimed at Rangers' star Alfredo Morelos .

The Ibrox side said Morelos was “racially abused” at the Old Firm clash on Sunday and demanded their Glasgow rivals take action to identify the culprits.

The 23-year-old allegedly received a torrent of jeers as he made his way towards the tunnel after being sent off during his side's 2-1 win.

Celtic later said they had received no complaints over the alleged incident but vowed to "fully investigate any should they be brought to our attention".

Police confirmed they are investigating the claims and a separate complaint had been made over footage shared on social media.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm we are investigating a complaint of racist chants directed at a Rangers player at the Celtic vs Rangers SPFL match on Sunday, 29 December, 2019.

A complaint of offensive social media material has been also made and will be investigated.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

A Celtic statement read: "We are aware of the gestures made by the player towards Celtic supporters.

"We have received no reports of any racial abuse but would fully investigate any should these be brought to our attention."

Rangers said the player was hit with racist taunts as he left.

A video emerged on social media, shot by a fan from the stands, as Morelos departs. Among a cacophony of boos and cries, the shouted words “hun b*****s” are clearly audible.

Some also claim a racist slur can be heard.

Rangers, meanwhile, launched a  staunch defence of Morelos  and insisted there was nothing sinister in his cut-throat gesture.

A club statement said: “There can be little doubt Alfredo is singled out for special attention, on and off the field.

“Indeed, some of the things said and written about him leave a lot to be desired and do nothing to suggest Scottish football is the most welcoming of environments.

“Even Alfredo’s gesture as he left the pitch is now being portrayed in some quarters as something sinister when, in fact, it is a gesture used commonly throughout South America to indicate quite simply that something – in this case, the match – is finished.”

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