Former Rangers Head of Recruitment calls out Tom Miller over Vata comments

The Sun has reported on Neil Murray deleting Twitter replies to Tom Miller of ‘Rangers TV’. Murray is the agent of Rocco Vata who plays from Celtic and the Republic of Ireland. 

In a clear nod to the intolerance of Ibrox fans Miller dropped in a witty line about the international options available to Vata as he prepared to take a penalty in a Glasgow Cup tie at Murray Park. 

Football is a very cosmopolitan business these days with Scot Arfield playing for Canada and Coventry born Charlie McCann turning out for the youth teams of Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. England hero Declan Rice has played in a friendly match for the Republic of Ireland. 

Picking up on the incident from today’s Glasgow Cup tie, The Sun reports: 

Miller was on duty for Rangers TV’s coverage of the game. 

As Vata stepped up for his spot-kick, Miller said on commentary: “He (Rocco Vata) is qualified to play international football for Scotland, Albania and the Republic of Ireland. Guess which he’s picked.” 

Murray tweeted in reply to footage showing the comment: “Despicable racist comment from @RangersTV commentator @TomCommentator…” 

He later added: “Absolutely no need for this comment, but nothing surprises me from this club…” 

Both tweets were deleted within minutes. 

Between 1989 and 1996 Murray made 63 appearances for Rangers (IL) before moving on to Sion, also won 16 Scotland u-21 caps. 

According to his Linkedin profile: 

Glasgow Rangers FC: Glasgow Rangers FC 5 yrs 3 mos5 yrs 3 mos 

Head Of Recruitment

Mar 2011 – Oct 2013 · 2 yrs 8 mosMar 2011 – Oct 2013 · 2 yrs 8 mosMurray Park, Auchenhowie, GlasgowMurray Park, Auchenhowie, Glasgow 

Responsible for establishing a UK wide and European scouting network in order to provide the club with up to date information on available players – free, loan or transfer.
Responsible for organizing all scouts and allocating their match schedule.
Responsibility for match reporting – match preparation and player reporting. 

That time-span clearly covers both Ibrox clubs. 

The story, screen capture above, has now been deleted by The Sun.