Topics: Rangers, Manchester United, Premier League, Europa League
Ally McCoist has been cleared by OFCOM after 14 complaints were made to the regulator over a comment he made during last month's clash between Manchester United and Rangers.
McCoist, who is widely regarded as one of the best pundits in the game, was commentating on the Europa League clash for TNT Sports when the camera panned towards the away section at Old Trafford.
More than 3,500 Rangers fans were present at the game, and some were heard singing as lead commentator Darren Fletcher made note of the atmosphere. "I'll let you speak about them," he said, teeing up McCoist to comment.
Moments later, the former Rangers striker replied: "They're amazing, that lot."
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As per the Mirror, the supporters could be heard singing: "F*** the Pope and the IRA" when McCoist made the comments on the live broadcast of last month's Europa League game.
Some criticised McCoist for his comment, while others defended the 62-year-old for potentially not hearing the lyrics.
James Dornan of the Scottish National Party commented on the incident, saying: "Just heard everyone's favourite football pundit, Super Ally, praising the Rangers fans just as they sing F the Pope. Only in Scotland is this acceptable."
In total, 14 complaints were made to OFCOM, who have since cleared McCoist of breaching the broadcasting code following an investigation.
A statement from the regulator said: "Complaints related to chanting by fans, and to Ally McCoist describing the supporters as 'amazing'.
"As the chants were not clearly discernible and the comment from Ally McCoist appeared to refer to the general atmosphere, our assessment found that the content did not raise issues under our rules."
Ruben Amorim's side would go on to secure all three points at Old Trafford, after Bruno Fernandes scored a dramatic last-gasp winner.
Both teams, meanwhile, have advanced directly to the round of 16 following impressive campaigns in the Europa League league phase.
Scottish Premiership side Rangers will take on the winner of Bodo/Glimt's play-off match with FC Twente or the winner of Fenerbahce's tie with Anderlecht.
United will face either the winner of FC Midtjylland vs Real Sociedad or the winner of AZ Alkmaar against Galatasaray.
