Ally McCoist cleared for comments about Rangers fans as OFCOM say Ibrox hero didn't break the rules

OFCOM have cleared Ally McCoist after receiving complaints over his comments about Rangers fans during the Europa League clash with Manchester United.

The media regulator investigated after receiving 14 complaints about McCoist who was on commentary for the Battle of Britain at Old Trafford. He praised the Rangers fans as 'amazing', during a period in the game where they were heard chanting chanting "F*** the Pope and the IRA," with SNP MSP James Dornan among those to criticise his commentary.

But OFCOM have looked into it and deemed that since the chant wasn't 'clearly discernible' and that McCoist's comments could be taken generally, he didn't breach the broadcasting code. An OFCOM statement on the matter reads: "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."

The exchange that sparked the outrage came as lead commentator Darren Fletcher referenced the noise coming from the away end during United's 2-1 win, before telling McCoist: "I'll let you speak about them." And the Ibrox hero replied "They’re amazing, that lot."