A Scots care worker who mimed the words "F*** the Pope and the IRA" in a sectarian TikTok video which was viewed by more than 22,000 people has been rapped by a watchdog.
Emma Gray filmed herself mouthing the vile slur while holding her middle finger up towards the camera before posting it on social media in May 2020.
The Renfrewshire Council employee was reported to the Scottish Social Service Council over the offensive video with an investigation launched.
A panel found her behaviour was “premeditated” and “likely to provoke outrage amongst members of a religious community, particularly those who follow the Roman Catholic faith ”.
Gray, a support worker for a housing support service, has been given an 18 month warning on her registration after undergoing equality and diversity training in the aftermath of the incident.
A decision notice from the SSSC read: “Your fitness to practise is impaired because social service workers must work in a way that promotes diversity and respects different cultures and values.
“By posting a video on the TikTok social media platform with you miming the lyrics 'f*** the Pope and the IRA' while gesturing to the camera with a raised middle finger, your actions were sectarian and were likely to provoke outrage amongst members of a religious community, particularly those who follow the Roman Catholic faith.
“Your behaviour is serious and falls below the standard expected of registered workers.”
They added: “Although the behaviour occurred outside work, the video was viewed by over 22,000 members of the public causing a wider reputational impact to the social services profession.
“You have recognised the seriousness of your behaviour and apologised for your actions. The incident was isolated in nature.
“You have a previous good history and your employer has provided positive comments about your practise. You have attended Equality & Diversity and Social Media awareness training.
“You have continued to work in the care sector following the incident and there have been no concerns raised about your practise during that time.”
The warning came into effect on October 21, 2021.
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