Rangers chairman Sir David Murray claims Scottish football is suffering an image problem because of an "obsession" with sectarianism and racism in the media. "It is absolutely right that fans' behaviour comes under scrutiny but it now seems to becoming an obsession in the media and political arenas as well as amongst supporters," Murray told the club's official web site.

"We are facing the real possibility of losing sight of the bigger picture, which is that watching football in Scotland is generally safe and must be a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

"On Saturday, for example, at Ibrox we had more than 100 servicemen and women recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan as our guests. They were given a tremendous welcome and reception and any fan in the ground will tell you that this is the kind of thing they want to see and read about. It was a great moment.

"Our fans went home happy after the team's performance and a great afternoon's entertainment. That is what matters to them and to the overwhelming majority of football fans around the country as they follow their teams.

"We were also delighted to support on Saturday the launch of the annual Show Racism the Red Card initiative which keeps up the good work that has been done in Scotland over many years and has helped make Scotland a place where racism is nowhere near as prevalent an issue as it is elsewhere.

"However, you would not think that Scotland has even emerged from the dark ages in terms of racism or sectarianism when you see the endless obsession there is with these issues that now involves clubs, supporters, the media and politicians.

"No-one wants to see any kind of anti-social behaviour but common sense ought to prevail and there should be a sense of proportion. The reality is that sectarianism and racism are not the problems they once were in this country.

"I think most people would share my view that social ills such as drugs and obesity are now more burning issues.

"It would be absurd to suggest these problems do not exist but we need to put them in perspective."