Scots athletic heroine Lynsey Sharp has turned her Twitter feed to private in the wake of a social media storm over her reference to a controversial song sung by Rangers fans about sexual abuse while commenting on Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon victory.

Ms Sharp, who stirringly won silver in the 800m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year, has apologised for the controversial tweet which stated: "Just catching up on #Wimbledon ...... Big Djok Knew."

He Twitter account has become protected, meaning only those she approves of can read her tweets.    The switch came as she received criticism and some abuse for the using the phrase.

She says she did not understand the meaning of what she was writing.

Big Jock Knew refers to claims, strenuously denied, that legendary former manager Jock Stein was aware of sexual abuse of boys at the club during the 1960s and 70s.

Former Celtic players and staff, including Mr Stein's former assistant Sean Fallon have consistently condemned the assertion that Mr Stein, the first British manager to win the European Cup, knew members of the Celtic Boys Club were being systematically abuses by a coach.

Rangers taunts have referred to child sex abuse charges for which the former boys' club manager, James Torbett, was found guilty and imprisoned. Torbett's crimes were uncovered in 1996 when former footballer Alan Brazil revealed that he had been molested at the age of 13 at Torbett's home in Sighthill, Glasgow. Torbett was found guilty on charges of shameless and indecent conduct with three juveniles between October 1967 and March 1974. In 1998 he was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

The controversial song when sung consists only of the words "Big Jock Knew" repeated.

After Ms Sharp's comment was posted, one Rangers fan group said: "Ooooft get the tin hat."

Later, Ms Sharp appeared not to know what the song stood for, tweeting that she thought it was a reference to Jock Wallace, the former Rangers manager.

And in a reply to another tweeter she said: "Lol I didn't come up with it. I'm being honest. Thanks for the feedback though."

Her comments were roundly criticised and demands were made for an apology.

One Tweeter Clarkeyceltic (@Clarkeyboy) said: "You're a disgrace and should be hounded fir that tweet."

Another, Henriklubo (@Henriklubo) added: "Tweet, plead dumb and delete it.  Quick 2 smear but no accountability!"

Gary Moore (@Gazbhoy67) said: "Disgusting behaviour from a sporting role model."

Others were abusive.  Donal Kelly (@konalDelly) said: "What a piece of vermin Lynsey Sharp is hope she breaks her legs and never runs again the horrible piece of s..t."

Others like Alan (@alniar) came to her defence saying:  "Lynsey's tweet has been retracted and has apologised for the misunderstanding. Please respect."

Ms Sharp said: ""I did not fully understand the meaning of what I wrote at the time but accept now what was said was in extremely poor taste.

"I would never have written it if I had thought people would have taken my words in the way many of them have.

"It was an error of judgement on my part which I deeply regret and I apologise for any offence or distress I have caused."