An SFA spokesman said: “We are deeply concerned that the safety and security of Judicial Panel members appointed to a recent Tribunal has been compromised by a wholly irresponsible betrayal of confidential information.

“The Judicial Panel consists of volunteers from across the spectrum of sport and business in Scotland. They are appointed on the basis of anonymity yet all three panel members have reported intrusion into their personal and work lives, including abusive and threatening communication. “This has been extended to directors of the Scottish FA, whose private details have been published on internet sites and who have, themselves, been victims of abusive communication. “This culminated tonight in a visit by Strathclyde Police, who are taking seriously the threats made towards the individuals involved. We are thankful for their advice and support in these matters.”
 
One of the members of the panel who wishes to remain anonymous told BBC Scotland he is now considering his future involvement in the process.

"I cannot discuss anything about the case for reasons of confidentiality," he said."I hope that when the statement of reasons is published by the SFA in due course, that responsible people will understand the reasons for the decision. I have no axe to grind with any football club." 

Monday’s verdict prompted an angry response from Rangers’ administrators Duff and Phelps, supporters groups and manager Ally McCoist who said the punishment could "kill" the club. “This decision could kill our football club, simple as that, make no mistake about it," said McCoist who went on to ask for the panel members to be identified: “Who are these people? I want to know who these people are.”
 
 

 This morning (Thursday) McCoist issued a statement to clarify his earlier comments and while not condoning the actions of supporters who have targetted members of the panel, the manager reiterated his belief that their names should be identified  in the spirit of transparency.

He said: "When I called for full transparency on Tuesday, I took the view that the decision by the judicial panel should be subject to proper scrutiny. It is unthinkable in any walk of life that such a significant punishment would be meted out without full transparency.

"I fully understand that there are difficult decisions to be taken in football and they will never suit everyone but in this day and age clarity and transparency are surely of paramount importance.That said, I would not for one moment want anyone to interpret my remarks as a signal to engage in any form of threatening behaviour. Such activity disgusts me and anyone who engages in it does Rangers Football Club nothing but harm. No Rangers supporter should get themselves involved in it - not now nor at any time.

 

"Our focus has got to be firmly on ensuring that the club's case in appealing the sanctions imposed on us is put forward robustly and in the appropriate manner. Rangers Football Club was a victim of what happened during the tenure of Craig Whyte. The club was not an accomplice, a co-conspirator nor a perpetrator of wrongdoing. We suffered from it and still are. I hope that our appeal can be dealt with by the SFA as quickly as possible as the situation for the club and the possible ramifications for Scottish football are very serious."

 

Meanwhile, Strathclyde Police has warned they will take action against people who make threats to the Scottish FA panel members who handed out punishments to Rangers. Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: "I can confirm that we are investigating allegations of threats and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment in detail. However, what is clear is that we are still seeing far too many people using the internet and social media to issue offensive or threatening messages to people. This is totally unacceptable and, in many cases, a criminal offence."

 

 

 

 Assistant Chief Constable Higgins added that people could not use social media to, "make threats or offensive comments about people without there being consequences. The overwhelming majority of people in Scotland are totally appalled by the types of comments that we, sadly, are continuing to see. They expect the police to take action. My message today is be assured that's exactly what we will do."