Rangers Join Social Media Boycott Over Online Abuse
Scottish champions Rangers have announced a week-long social media boycott as protests over incessant online abuse.
Scottish champions Rangers have announced a week-long social media boycott as protests over incessant online abuse.
The club’s accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok will remain unupdated during this period.
Rangers’ employees including players, coaching and technical staff will also stay off their various social media handles in the protest.
A number of the Glasgow club’s players including Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe have felt the full brunt of social media in recent months.
A club statement read: "Rangers can confirm that as of 7pm this evening, our players and management will take part in a week-long boycott of all social media channels.
"This is to underline the ongoing concerns over a lack of accountability and responsibility from social media outlets.
"In particular, we are concerned with the daily racist abuse our players have to endure, and believe that although social media can be a very positive and healthy platform for communication, there is undoubted concern the levels of hate are now spiralling out of control."
Rangers managing director, Stewart Robertson said: "We can confirm that as a board and as a club, we are fully behind our players and management on this issue.
"Furthermore, we have arranged to meet Facebook and Instagram to underline our growing concerns.
"Having spoken to a wide range of clubs across the United Kingdom, we know these concerns are shared by all clubs and it is fair to say everyone is losing patience with the lack of action from social media companies.
"Rangers hope is that clear and direct action is taken from social media platforms. The basic verification of users, as part of the sign-up process, to any social media platform, will ensure that users are both identifiable and accountable for their actions and words. We will raise this next week in our scheduled meetings.
"Rangers has driven its flagship Everyone Anyone campaign forward rigorously, drawing praise and support from fellow clubs, governing bodies and politicians, and we will continue to stand firmly against all forms of discrimination. Enough is enough.
"We would hope that social media companies recognise the benefit of verified accounts. If they don't, it is time for government to step in and legislate. As a club, we will continue to consider all options which increase pressure on social media platforms until they begin working proactively in the interests of wider society.
"The Rangers players and management will begin their boycott from today at 7pm for one week."
