VANDALS have launched another vile attack on the memory of the Ibrox disaster victims.
Our sister paper The Greenock Telegraph reports that hate-filled messages targeting Rangers fans who died in the tragedy were found for the THIRD time in a week on buildings in Port Glasgow.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Councillor's disgust at Ibrox Disaster graffiti abuse
Outraged councillor David Wilson was stunned when he learned that abusive taunts like ‘66 Ha Ha Ha’ had been painted at the town’s Orange Halls.
Mr Wilson, who had himself painted over the original abuse at the former Playtex factory, said: “This is an absolute disgrace.
“The abuse has been condemned by people from all backgrounds in Port Glasgow.
“It has absolutely no place in this town. We have to all come together to condemn this.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Councillor's disgust at Ibrox Disaster graffiti abuse
“We have a shared campus here and there has not been a spot of bother. Pupils at both schools get along great.”
Speaking on behalf of the Port Glasgow Orange Halls, the executive officer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, Robert McLean, said: “We are concerned that this attack on our hall is an attack on our religion and faith and feel the matter should be treated by Police Scotland as a ‘religious hate crime’.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Councillor's disgust at Ibrox Disaster graffiti abuse
“We would urge anyone with information to contact the police and have this sort of crime eradicated from the modern, tolerant society that Scotland should be.”
In the original taunts, ‘Die Hunz 66’ was scrawled on the walls of the former factory in the Port Glasgow industrial estate. The graffiti mocks the fans who were killed in Scotland’s worst ever football disaster 45 years ago. The sickening taunts also included other slogans like ‘IRA’ – in support of the terrorist organisation.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Councillor's disgust at Ibrox Disaster graffiti abuse
Councillor Wilson has been heartened by the show of support from other local members, including council leader Stephen McCabe and fellow Port councillor Jim MacLeod.
He has also contacted the local community police officers and the community wardens to express his growing concern.
An Inverclyde Council spokesman said: “Responsibility for removing graffiti from privately owned buildings rests with the owners.
“However we are stepping up patrols by community wardens in the area and working with Police Scotland to help tackle this problem.”
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