Steve Clarke accuses Rangers fans of sectarian abuse during Scottish Cup match against Kilmarnock

By Sky Sports News

Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke says he was subjected to sectarian abuse by the Rangers fans during their 5-0 Scottish Cup replay defeat at Ibrox

Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke says he was subjected to sectarian abuse during his side's Scottish Cup fifth-round replay against Rangers.

Rangers progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition with a 5-0 win at Ibrox on Wednesday night but the match was overshadowed by allegations of abuse against a section of home supporters.

In an emotional post-match interview, Clarke accused some fans of living in the "dark ages" and says he was thankful to sign for Chelsea during his playing career as it allowed his children to grow up in England.

He said: "What are we doing in Scotland?

"I wake up every morning and I thank Chelsea for coming and taking me away from the west of Scotland because my children don't understand this.

Image: Rangers progressed to a quarter-final tie at Aberdeen

"They don't have anything to do with this, my children have nothing to do with this. They don't understand.

"When I go down there, my children and my grandchildren don't need to worry about this.

"[It's] fantastic to be back in Scotland."

Clarke labelled the standard of refereeing in Scotland as a 'joke' after goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann was sent off

Clarke's comments come days after former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was struck by a coin and allegedly subjected to sectarian abuse during Kilmarnock's Scottish Premiership match against Celtic on Sunday.

Earlier this season, Hibernian manager Neil Lennon said he was "reconsidering" his job after being struck on the head by an object during the Edinburgh derby against Hearts.