Rangers' James Tavernier targeted by racist abuse on social media

By Sky Sports News

Image: James Tavernier took part in the recent social media boycott to highlight the issue of racism in football

Rangers captain James Tavernier has become the latest footballer to be targeted by racist abuse on social media.

The right-back shared a racially offensive message he received on Instagram and added a shoulder-shrugging emoji above.

The post came six days after Tavernier took part in a Professional Footballers' Association campaign to boycott social media for 24 hours.

Image: Earlier this month, a Hibernian supporter was jailed for confronting Tavernier during a match at Easter Road

The 27-year-old last week shared a PFA post calling for social media companies to do more to tackle the problem.

Rangers have confirmed Police Scotland have been notified of the offensive post.

A statement released by the club read: "This is simply unacceptable and Police Scotland have been notified.

Image: Projectiles were also thrown towards the Rangers captain during a match against Motherwell

"Rangers puts a lot of time, effort and resource into various programmes aimed at bringing people of different faiths, backgrounds, cultures and beliefs closer together and we abhor this kind of abuse.

"No one should be subjected to behaviour of this kind."

Earlier this month, a Hibernian fan was jailed for 100 days and banned from attending football matches for 10 years for confronting Tavernier at Easter Road.

Motherwell also banned one of their own supporters from attending matches after projectiles were thrown towards Tavenier during a match at Fir Park.