RANGERS have been widely praised for backing their players in taking the knee and telling fans the team "is open to all". 

The Ibrox club's managing director released a strongly worded statement today after striker Alfredo Morelos was subjected to vile racist abuse on social media last week. The matter is now being investigated by Police Scotland.

Defender Connor Goldson also revealed Rangers players were hurt by criticism of their support for Black Lives Matter before their games against Lyon and Nice at the weekend.

READ MORE: Rangers MD Stewart Robertson slams racist abuse of Alfredo Morelos and backs players "taking the knee"

The centre half bemoaned the negative comments which had been posted by alleged Gers fans under a photograph of him on Instagram. 

Glasgow Times: Goldson responded to messages on social media Goldson responded to messages on social media

In a statement today, Stewart Robertson said: "Alfredo Morelos was the victim of racist abuse via social media on Friday evening. This hate crime is now subject of a police investigation.

"This is unacceptable, cannot be tolerated and must be condemned by everyone in Scottish football and society as a whole.

"Furthermore, as a club, we stand firmly behind our players who have taken a knee prior to recent games. This is a strong stance against racism.

"To be clear, if you are unable to support our players, regardless of their background, you are not welcome at Ibrox. Rangers is a club for all."

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf was among those to praise the Light Blues for Robertson's comments, writing: "Important message from Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson - he is right, there should be no equivocation or whataboutery when it comes to condemning racism faced by Alfredo Morelos or indeed the awful abuse directed towards those who took the knee in solidarity with BLM." 

BBC pundit Tom English wrote: "No club should have to defend its players in this way, but this is the reality right now and Stewart Robertson’s words are necessary and powerful. Well said."

Jordan Campbell, Rangers correspondent for The Athletic, wrote: "That is a blunt but necessary statement. Wednesday is the one year anniversary of the Everyone Anyone campaign. It can't ease off."

He added: "While Everyone Anyone covers all forms of discrimination, it is racism that is in the public consciousness just now. That had to be reflected. Fans who have criticised the players taking a knee will have to assess whether they can align themselves with the club's values."

Gers fans were also delighted with the message as supporters, who have hit back at social media abuser in recent days, shared their backing for the statement. 

Kevin Wakeham wrote: "If Stewart Robertson’s statement doesn’t serve as a final warning, I don’t know what will."

READ MORE: Rangers star Connor Goldson sends defiant Instagram post after Black Lives Matter criticism

David Edgar, from the influential Heart and Hand podcast, quoted Rangers' initial tweet and wrote: "Spot on."