Rangers’ diversity and inclusion campaign welcomed by Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf

A campaign launched by Rangers Football Club to help promote diversity and inclusion has been welcomed by Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf.

The initiative, Everyone Anyone, was set up with the aim of bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures, as well as helping to tackle discrimination and promote positive fan behaviour at matches.

Managing director Stewart Robertson announced the initiative at Ibrox Stadium on Monday alongside manager Steven Gerrard and first team players James Tavernier and Andy Halliday.

It was also backed by politicians including Scottish Labour MSPs Anas Sarwar and Pauline McNeill, and Scottish Labour’s Glasgow leader Frank McAveety.

On a visit to Ibrox on Thursday, Mr Yousaf praised the club for taking “positive and proactive action”.

“Discrimination and prejudice have no place in society or football,” he said.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy our national sport, regardless of their background.

“There have been long-standing issues in Scottish football and I have emphasised that society as a whole, including those who love our national game, needs to step up.

“I’m therefore pleased to see such positive and proactive action from Rangers to ensure everyone is welcome at Ibrox.

“I warmly welcome the Everyone Anyone campaign and hope it can help make football more inclusive and diverse.”

As part of the campaign, the club has said it will hold a series of diversity and inclusion events at Ibrox, as well as at its Hummel Training Centre in Milngavie and in the wider community.

Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said: “This project has been a long time in the making but we believe we have the correct strategy and Rangers will be a club open to everyone and anyone.

“We want people to feel safe, welcome and valued when they come to our home and it was a pleasure to be able to share our objectives with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

“I believe he was impressed and his support is appreciated because this is an important step which should mean Rangers will play an active, significant and leading role in the local and wider communities.”