BT Sport 'drop' Stan Collymore as pundit after Twitter comments against Rangers chants

Stan Collymore claims he was canned by BT Sport. Credit: PA

Stan Collymore will not feature as a BT Sport pundit for tonight's Rangers match after an online row about sectarian chanting at games.

The ex-footballer had claimed he was "taken off the show" by the broadcaster but a spokesman said they had not dropped or sacked him, indicating it was Collymore's choice.

The outspoken commentator had demanded Rangers are pulled off the television if their fans continue to sing sectarian songs.

After announcing the news on the internet, Collymore became locked in a fiery online exchange with some sports fans, many of whom brought up his violent past and domestic violence.

It had been triggered after Collymore backed a petition which said: "Boycott sponsors Sectarian chanting is illegal. Demeaning."

The former Liverpool and England striker, who worked for BT Sport on a freelance basis, tweeted: "Just had a call from @btsportfootball. I'm taken off the show. Absolutely fine. Better to be right than bury my head. Enjoy!

"I can hold my head high and say i did the right thing to challenge hypocrisy amongst Rangers fans. BT show #RFC games, so inevitable."