MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 08:32:04| >> :120:16263:16263:

Celtic condemn "vile" online abuse directed at Nir Bitton

Celtic condemn
© Reuters
The Israel international was sent off in last weekend's loss to Rangers.

Celtic have hit out at "vile" online abuse aimed at Nir Bitton in the wake of last weekend's defeat by Rangers.

The Israel international was the target of abuse including anti-Semitic slurs on social media.

The makeshift centre-back was sent off midway through the second half at Ibrox for denying Light Blues striker Alfredo Morelos a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Neil Lennon's team had been on top before the incident but Bitton's sending off swung the game back in Rangers' favour and Steven Gerrard's Premiership leaders went on to claim a 1-0 win which moved them 19 points clear at the top.

The club said in a statement: "Since its formation in 1888, Celtic has been a club open to all people, with a renowned tradition and ethos of openness and diversity.

"Celtic has forwarded this vile content to the police and considers that everything should be done to identify those responsible and that all appropriate action should be taken. Nir Bitton and his family have our full support.

"We do not believe that it is appropriate to comment further at this stage in connection with this matter.

"Let us be very clear, those responsible for such vile comments do not represent Celtic or Celtic supporters. They are faceless and nameless.

Rangers v Celtic – Scottish Premiership – Ibrox Stadium
Nir Bitton was dismissed in the defeat to Rangers last weekend (Andrew Milligan/PA)

"For certain people to suggest that such comments represent the views of Celtic Football Club is hugely offensive and a disgraceful accusation we take extremely seriously. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Celtic has always stood firmly against bigotry and racism in all its forms and it is hugely unfair to hold Celtic responsible for the conduct of whoever this may be.

"Social media unfortunately has become a vehicle for some of the worst behaviours, indeed, sadly, our own club, staff and supporters are often the subject of bigotry and racial abuse.

"All content of this kind must be challenged and condemned."

ID:429755: cacheID:429755:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5118:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Neil Lennon pictured on January 2, 2021
Read Next:
Neil Lennon delighted with James Forrest return
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd156632215724
5Motherwell157171823-522
6Dundee165472729-219
7St Mirren165381926-718
8Ross County163671230-1815
9St Johnstone1642101829-1114
10Kilmarnock163581734-1714
11Hearts163491825-713
12Hibernian162681828-1012


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!