JAMES TAVERNIER hopes a social media blackout will lead to a change in online behaviour as the world of sport seeks to combat the scourge of racism in society.

Rangers will join clubs, sporting associations and ruling bodies across the country in closing down their social media channels this weekend in an attempt to highlight the issue.

Tavernier revealed earlier this season that every black member of Steven Gerrard's squad had been racially abused this term and the club would stand united with midfielder Glen Kamara following the incident with Ondrej Kudela during the Europa League clash with Slavia Prague.

Tavernier said: “It’s great to see the whole sport getting behind the blackout up and down the country and the club are fully behind it.

“What has happened in the past with myself and my players is unacceptable on the social network platforms but it’s something we’ve had to live with and deal with.

“But now it’s getting broadcast louder and wider to these major platforms that something has to change so it’s good we’re starting this but it’s always going to continue if we don’t have these factors in place where it will stop these people doing it."