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OWN GOAL; EXCLUSIVE Fan's vile internet video could get Rangers booted out of Europe.

Byline: By NORMAN SILVESTER

A SHOCKING three-minute video of fans singing a sectarian song in Spain could get the club banned from Europe.

The damning clip titled Simply The Best was shot by a Rangers supporter at the end of the 1-0 defeat by Osasuna and posted on You Tube.

Last night, supporters' leader Jim Templeton condemned the singing and said whoever posted the video "had scored a massive own goal".

And SFA See sales force automation.

SFA - Sales Force Automation
 boss David Taylor David Taylor or Dave Taylor can be one of several persons: Sports people
  • David Taylor (Australian cricketer), Australian cricketer
  • David Taylor (English cricketer), English cricketer
  • David Taylor (snooker player), snooker player
, who takes over atUEFAin two weeks, said all evidence would be studied before a disciplinary probe on Thursday.

European football bosses have already warned the Ibrox club they could face the "ultimate sanction" over trouble which broke out in the crowd during Wednesday's game.

Now UEFA UEFA Union of European Football Associations

UEFA n abbr (= Union of European Football Associations) → U.E.F.A.
 officials are to study the film, which was shot inside the stadium away from TV cameras after the players had left the field.

The Spaniards played Tina Turner's Simply The Best - an anthem for Gers fans - over the tannoy.

Supporters are heard chanting "F*** the Pope" to the music and punching the air.

Jim Templeton, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, said last night: "Whichever fan posted this has scored a massive own goal for the club and the fans.

"While condemning those who were singing, the person who put this on You Tube should also be taking a good look at themselves in the mirror.

"It is almost certain UEFA will be forced to take action and possibly ban the club from Europe. We can only fear the worst."

He added that he believed the Spanish club played the song to "wind up" the visiting support.

Rangers were fined pounds 13,000 by UEFA for sectarian singing and warned about future behaviour after last season's Champions League game in Villarreal.

UEFA's disciplinary committee, who have already banned Dutch club Feyenoord from Europe, will decide Rangers' fate on Thursday.

David Taylor, who becomes UEFA's general secretary in two weeks, said last night all evidence would be studied but it was too early to talk about sanctions.

He added: "UEFA will look at any source over sectarianism or racism and investigate. That sort of thing isn't welcome in Scottish football or European football and that message has to get through loud and clear."

Simply The Best became a club anthem during Rangers' nine-in-a-row championship run in the 1990s. It was banned briefly at Ibrox after many fans made up their own sectarian lyrics. Ugly scenes erupted during the second half of the Osasuna match when police wielding batons were seen to strike spectators in the Rangers end.

Fans insisted police charged in for no reason but Rangers have admitted banned thugs who should not have been allowed to travel infiltrated their supporters.

Last night, hundreds of fans expressed their disgust at the clip on the YouTube message board. One said: "As a Rangers fan, I find this deplorable de·plor·a·ble  
adj.
1. Worthy of severe condemnation or reproach: a deplorable act of violence.

2.
 and agree the police did not hit them hard enough."

The Rangers Supporters Assembly will hold a crisis meeting with Ibrox chiefs to protest at their treatment in Spain.

Spokesman Templeton said: "Sectarian chanting and singing is unacceptable and the club should take all necessary action.

"However I thought it strange that the Spanish club should play this song and I believe it was an attempt to wind up the fans."

Rangers said: "We will meet supporters' representatives next week to discuss matters arising out of the game against Osasuna.

"We remain committed to improving standards and levels of behaviour of our supporters."

SUNDAY EMAIL See e-mail.  

n.silvester@sundaymail.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

Sickening: Rangers fans' bigoted song is caught on phone camera; Probe pledge: SFA's Taylor; Furious: Templeton fears Euro ban for Rangers; Euro shame: A fan claps clap 1  
v. clapped, clap·ping, claps

v.intr.
1. To strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound, as in applauding.

2.
 along during sick song at Osasuna match; Poison: Film clip Noun 1. film clip - a strip of motion picture film used in a telecast
photographic film, film - photographic material consisting of a base of celluloid covered with a photographic emulsion; used to make negatives or transparencies
 shows Rangers fans chant along to anthem
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Publication:Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland)
Date:Mar 18, 2007
Words:634
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