By Eric Baxter

BIGOTS have been condemned over a fresh taunt in Port Glasgow towards victims of the Ibrox Disaster.

A banner bearing a twisted slogan was draped over the bridge across the A8 dual carriageway through the town near Woodhall on Saturday, when Rangers hosted Celtic at Ibrox.

It read: ‘Colin Stein killing machine’, referring to the Rangers player who scored an equaliser at the end of the ill-fated January 1971 Old Firm match at Ibrox, reports the Greenock Telegraph.

There was a crush among the crowd on an exit stairway at the game, which led to 66 deaths and more than 200 injuries as supporters left the stadium.

An Inverclyde man who was outraged at the banner described the person who created it as ‘very warped’.

He said: “The families of the 66 are very much alive, as is Colin Stein.

“He and his family do not need this, as the disaster happened after the match and it was established by the inquiry that his goal played no part in what happened that terrible day.”

The person, who did not want to be named, added: “The banner mocking Colin Stein makes you wonder if bigots in Port Glasgow have a fixation on the Ibrox Disaster, following other vile instances last year.

“Will these people in Port Glasgow let the 66 rest, 46 years after the worst day in Scottish football history?

“Let them rest in peace and stop the bigotry.”

Hate-filled messages targeting fans who died in the tragedy were daubed three times last year on buildings in Port Glasgow.

Abusive taunts like ‘66 deed Ha Ha Ha’ were painted twice at the town’s Orange Halls, following ‘Die Hunz 66’ being daubed at the former Playtex factory.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents can call police officers on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.