Celtic Manager Ange Postecoglou 'Saddened' By Racist Songs From Rangers Fans

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admits he was "saddened" by the racist slurs aimed at Japanese star Kyogo Furuhashi from rival Rangers supporters.

Several Rangers fans have now been "banned indefinitely" after a video was posted online showing them singing a racist song about Hoops recruit Furuhashi.

The clip has since been removed by officials who have also wasted no time in slapping the culprits with a hefty ban for their actions.

PA

The racism storm surrounding Furuhashi hits close to home for the Aussie manager Postecoglou, as it was him who signed the Japanese forward following their successful spell together at Yokohama F. Marinos where they guided the club to its first J-League title in 15 years.

"To be honest, it saddens me a lot because I'm the one who's brought him over here," Postecoglou told Celtic TV.

"I spent three-and-a-half years in Japan, and I was a foreigner, and I was welcomed with open arms over there. I know how polite and respectful the Japanese people were, and I'm the one that brought Kyogo here.

"I'm sure his experience is totally the extreme opposite of what's been portrayed in the last 48 hours. Talking to him, he loves being here, he loves the city, he loves the way everyone's embraced him.

"It's not about education, people are more than well aware of what's right and wrong - just be a decent human being and treat people with respect.

"Our number one priority is to protect and support the player. He's a cracking guy.

"If anyone ever comes across him, he's such a nice young man and he doesn't deserve any of that type of behaviour. No one does, to be honest, no one does."

Furuhashi has been instrumental in helping Postecoglou get off to an impressive start in the green side of Glasgow.

With six goals in seven games, Furuhashi has proved to be one of the signings of the season so far and his impeccable form has seen him become and instant fan favourite among the terraces at Celtic Park.

Topics: Football News, Racism, Celtic, Football, Scottish Football, Ange Postecoglou, Australia, Rangers

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry