Police Scotland launch probe into threatening messages aimed at Kevin Clancy after Old Firm derby

Police have opened an investigation into alleged threatening messages referee Kevin Clancy received after Saturday’s cinch Premiership clash between Celtic and Rangers.

Ange Postecoglou’s side moved 12 points clear at the top of the standings after winning the Old Firm encounter 3-2 at Celtic Park.

Rangers boss Michael Beale claimed Clancy got two key decisions wrong, with the Ibrox club subsequently writing to the Scottish Football Association seeking an explanation for one of them – an early goal by Alfredo Morelos, which was disallowed.

The governing body announced on Monday that it had “forwarded a significant number of threatening and abusive emails to Police Scotland after personal and professional contact details” of the referee were published online after the match.

The SFA said its security and integrity manager has been in contact with Clancy and police about the ‘series of unacceptable messages sent via email and telephone’, with Police Scotland confirming it is now investigating.

Clancy controversially disallowed Alfredo Morelos’ goal during Rangers’ 3-2 defeat to Celtic

Rangers condemned abuse towards Clancy but are ‘surprised’ the SFA supported the decision

A statement shared on Tuesday read: “We are investigating alleged threatening messages reported to us by the SFA today.

“All reports of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness and thoroughly investigated.

“We will support those affected as our investigation progresses.”

The SFA had asked Police Scotland to investigate after Old Firm referee Kevin Clancy received death threats and online abuse.

It is understood that more than 100 abusive messages were sent to the official after his business email address and phone number were posted on social media.

Rangers manager Michael Beale was critical of Morelos’ decision, with the Ibrox side writing to the SFA seeking clarification on why the Colombian was penalized for a foul on Celtic’s Alistair Johnston with the score at 0-0.

The governing body responded quickly, citing a push on the Parkhead defender by his opponent.

That led to another battle of words on Monday evening, with the Ibrox club claiming to be ‘surprised’ at that reaction.

A Rangers spokesperson said: ‘Firstly, Rangers condemn in the strongest terms any abuse of match officials. We are all passionate about our game, but targeted, personal abuse from referees cannot be tolerated.

The club can confirm that the Scottish FA has responded with regard to Alfredo Morelos’ disallowed goal, claiming in response that the correct decision was made. The club is surprised at this, especially considering that most observers, including former referees and former players, could see no problem with the position of the goal.

This comes after a weekend in England where PGMOL have issued an apology to Brighton and Hove Albion for not awarding a penalty in their match with Tottenham Hotspur, alongside a promise to review the incident.

“While an apology doesn’t change the outcome of a match, such accountability and openness would be welcome in Scotland.”

Rangers referred to PGMOL’s openness in England after apologizing to Brighton

On Monday evening, the SFA’s security and integrity manager was in contact with police to identify those responsible for sending abusive messages to the match official.

Twitter has decided to suspend the account of a person who posted the referee’s contact details online with a message calling on fans to “harass him at work.”

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: ‘The nature of the messages goes far beyond criticism of performance and perceived decision making – some are potentially criminal in nature and include threats and abuse towards Kevin and his family.

“We have referred the correspondence to the police and condemn this behavior in the strongest terms, as well as the posting of a referee’s personal details online for the sole purpose of causing a disturbance.

“Football is our national game. It improves and saves lives.

“Without referees there is no game and while decisions are always discussed with or without VAR, we cannot allow a situation to arise where the privacy and safety of a referee and that of his family is compromised.”

A statement from the Scottish Senior Referees’ Association – the representative body for officials – also condemned the “completely unacceptable level of abuse” directed at Clancy.

“Referees are not immune to criticism and accept that there will always be legitimate debate about subjective decision-making,” the statement read.

“However, if these become targeted threats and abuse affecting their personal and professional lives, this is clearly crossing the line.

Celtic’s victory in the Old Firm Derby took the leaders 12 points clear in the Scottish Premiership

“We continue to offer our full support to Kevin and all of our members, many of whom have experienced an increase in abuse this season. We welcome the strong support from the Scottish FA to protect referees and the wider image of the game.”

Meanwhile, former umpires were divided over the Morelos incident and officials’ response.

Former top England referee Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports: ‘I think Celtic were very, very lucky (that the goal was not awarded to Rangers). Both players struggle. For me you better let it go.’

Video assistant referee Nick Walsh refused to call Clancy to his monitor, with former Scottish official Stuart Dougal claiming there was no reason for Clydesdale House to intervene.

Dougal told BBC Scotland: ‘VAR cannot intervene here as it is not seen as a clear and obvious foul.

“If there is something much more egregious, if there is no contact at all, then of course the VAR can step in and ask the referee to look at it again.

“But where they watch that clip and it’s kind of 50-50, 60-40 depending on which side of the fence you’re on, under current protocols the VAR can’t get involved.”