Police in Belfast have launched an investigation into a video that has surfaced, showing Rangers fans travelling on an open-top bus through the city centre while chanting sectarian songs. The incident, which occurred on a recent Friday evening as fans headed to an event at the SSE Arena, highlights ongoing concerns regarding sectarianism in football culture, especially within the context of Scottish football and its passionate rivalries.

The video, quickly disseminated across social media platforms, features supporters believed to be associated with a Belfast-based Rangers supporters club, chanting songs that have a long history of controversy and division. The police's prompt response underscores the importance of addressing these issues in a region still grappling with deeply rooted sectarian tensions.

This incident is not isolated. In fact, similar occurrences have prompted police investigations in the past. Notably, in May 2021, Police Scotland investigated allegations that Rangers players had used sectarian language during a function celebrating their league title victory. This was triggered after TikTok footage emerged depicting players engaged in chanting. The police collaborated with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in their enquiries to assess the claims.

In July 2022, another investigation related to Rangers fans culminated in the closure of a separate case regarding sectarian singing during a match. Police had previously escorted a group of fans to Hampden Park, ensuring they bypassed high-risk areas amidst concerns about potential sectarian clashes. Ultimately, after reviewing video evidence, authorities indicated they had exhausted all lines of inquiry but expressed readiness to re-investigate should new information arise.

Rangers' ongoing issues with sectarianism date back many years and have not gone unnoticed by footballing authorities. In April 2011, UEFA found the club guilty of discriminatory behaviour due to similar chants by fans, resulting in bans from future European matches. Such rulings highlighted the governance body's stance against sectarianism and its desire to mitigate its presence in football.

The "Famine Song," which alludes to the Great Famine of the 1840s, is one of the more infamous chants associated with the club and has drawn substantial criticism for its sectarian sentiments. It reflects the socio-political tensions remaining in both Ireland and Scotland, particularly between Rangers and their local rivals, Celtic F.C., whose supporters often identify with Irish nationalism.

Legislation aimed at curbing sectarian behaviour, such as the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012, was introduced to combat these issues. This law classified the singing of sectarian songs as an offence. In its first year of enactment, it led to numerous charges, predominantly against young male fans. However, after significant backlash over its effectiveness, the law was repealed in 2018, raising questions about the best way to address the chronic problem of sectarianism in the sport.

The connection between football fandom and sectarian identity is well-documented and fuels ongoing tensions, as evidenced by the May 2002 riots in Belfast following a Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic. This violent outbreak involved hundreds of individuals and resulted in injuries to both police officers and civilians, illustrating the extent to which football can serve as a flashpoint for sectarian clashes.

As the police in Belfast continue to investigate the recent incident, the broader implications of sectarianism in football remain a significant concern, prompting calls for both stricter regulations and a cultural shift. The need for change is evident, not only in ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for fans but also in fostering a community less defined by historic divides.


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Source: Noah Wire Services