Full Breakdown
Racist Abuse Targeting Rangers Players Sparks Outrage and Investigation
2/24/2026, 1:02:23 PM
Incident Overview: Racist Abuse Directed at Rangers Players
Following a Scottish Premiership match on February 22, 2023, Rangers players Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama were subjected to racist abuse on social media. The abuse occurred after Rangers' 2-2 draw against Livingston, where Fernandez scored one of the goals. Both players shared screenshots of the offensive messages, which included derogatory emojis, on their Instagram accounts. The club promptly reported the incidents to Meta, Instagram's parent company, and to Police Scotland for further investigation.
Official Responses and Support for Players
Rangers Football Club condemned the abuse as "simply unacceptable," emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of Fernandez and Gassama. In a statement, the club expressed pride in the players for highlighting the abuse and confirmed their support throughout any judicial process. Rangers' head coach, Danny Rohl, also publicly denounced the comments, labeling them "sickening" and calling for immediate action to combat such behavior in football.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) joined Rangers in condemning the abuse, describing the online posts as "disgraceful" and urging anyone with information to assist the authorities in identifying the perpetrators. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman characterized the abuse as "abhorrent," reiterating the government's commitment to holding social media platforms accountable for user safety.
Broader Context of Racism in Football
The incident involving Fernandez and Gassama is part of a troubling trend in football, where players frequently face racial abuse online. A BBC investigation in November 2022 revealed over 2,000 abusive posts directed at players and managers in a single weekend across the Premier League and Women's Super League. Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out highlighted that such incidents are not isolated, indicating a systemic issue within the sport.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating the racist messages directed at Fernandez and Gassama, stating that inquiries are at an early stage. The community has rallied around the players, with many supporters expressing their disgust at the abuse and offering messages of solidarity.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The racist abuse faced by Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat discrimination in sports. As investigations continue, the responses from Rangers, the SPFL, and community members reflect a collective commitment to addressing racism and fostering a more inclusive environment in football.
Verbatim Quotes
- "For any player, opening a phone and seeing abuse tied to the colour of their skin is simply unacceptable." — Rangers Football Club
- "None of our players or anyone should have to put up with racist abuse. It is truly sickening to see this kind of content." — Danny Rohl, Rangers Head Coach
- "These online posts are disgraceful. We fully support any steps taken by the authorities to identify the individuals involved." — SPFL Spokesperson
