Police Scotland has confirmed an investigation is underway over 'alleged threatening communications' towards referee Kevin Clancy after an SFA probe.
The governing body's chief Ian Maxwell condemned 'potentially criminal' abuse the experienced referee faced following Saturday's dramatic Old Firm derby. Clancy was the match official as Celtic won 3-2 but with rivals Rangers writing to the SFA to seek clarification over a key decision involving a disallowed goal for striker Alfredo Morelos.
The Ibrox outfit then revealed their 'astonishment' at the verdict from the SFA that the decision was 'correct'. Rangers also condemned 'in the strongest terms any abuse of match officials'.
READ MORE: Kevin Clancy avoids Celtic or Rangers clash as referee handed VAR role amid 'abuse' probe
Now Police Scotland have confirmed it's launching an investigation in to the communications that were reported to them, and those affected would receive support.
A Police Scotland statement said: "We are investigating alleged threatening communications which were reported to us by the SFA today.
"All reports of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness and will be investigated thoroughly.
"We will provide support to those affected as our investigation progresses."
Maxwell said on the abuse of Clancy: "The nature of the messages goes way beyond criticism of performance and perceived decision-making - some are potentially criminal in nature and include threats and abuse towards Kevin and his family.
“We have referred the correspondence to the police and condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms, as well as the posting of a referee’s personal details online with the sole purpose of causing distress."
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