Police investigate ‘unacceptable’ online abuse of Rangers duo

Police Scotland is investigating after Rangers players Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama shared screenshots of racist abuse aimed at them on their social media accounts after Sunday’s match in Livingston.

London-born centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez, who qualifies to play for Nigeria, and France Under-20 capped winger Gassama, who was born in Mauritania, both started for Rangers as their title hopes suffered a blow by being held to a 2-2 draw by the Scottish Premiership’s bottom side.

Rangers have described the abuse on Instagram that followed as “unacceptable” and reported to the social media parent company Meta.

It coincides with police in England confirming they are investigating after four Premier League players were targeted by online racial abuse at the weekend.

In a statement of support for their players, Rangers say: “For any player, opening a phone and seeing abuse tied to the colour of their skin is simply unacceptable.

“The accounts appear to be anonymous and are not connected to the club in any way. That may make action harder to take, but it does not lessen the seriousness of what happened, or the responsibility of the platform involved.

“Our immediate priority is the wellbeing of the players involved. We are in direct contact with Djeidi and Manny and have offered our full support both now and through any future judicial process.

“We are proud that they stood up for themselves by highlighting this vile abuse last night.

“Manny and Djeidi represent Rangers with commitment and pride. Every time they step on to the pitch, they do so on behalf of this club and our fans.

“Many supporters have already reached out with messages of support. We welcome that backing. It reflects what this club stands for: pride in the shirt, respect for those who wear it and a commitment to stand together.”

Last month, Livingston wrote to the Scottish FA over an alleged racial comment made to striker Jeremy Bokila during their Premiership defeat by Aberdeen.

And, after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana both received racist abuse on Instagram.

On Sunday, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were also sent racist abuse on social media.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman described the abuse as “abhorrent”, adding: “The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this is no different.”

The spokesman pointed out that English top-flight clubs have said they want to work with social media sites, including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.

“And Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse,” he said. “Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens.”

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said it had been an “appalling weekend” but “the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly”.