Celtic have hit out at the 'disgraceful' sectarian abuse suffered by defender Shane Duffy and have demanded the strongest action taken against the idiot involved.

We told earlier how Duffy was the target of a vile Instagram message where a yob made some sickening comments, branding the Irishman a 'fenian ugly b******' and saying 'you're f***ng s*** you c***'.

The Instagram idiot also ended the private message with a final taunt, adding: "Haha ur dads dead' after Duffy's father passed away last year.

His club have now backed their player in the strongest way possible, insisting they would stand behind Duffy against the 'mindless, vile and abhorrent behaviour'. 

We understand the matter has now been passed to Police Scotland.

The National:

A Celtic spokesperson said: "It is disgraceful that Shane should be targeted in this way through such sickening sectarian abuse - and mocking the death of Shane’s father is quite simply despicable. This is mindless, vile and abhorrent behaviour and must be challenged and condemned.

"Everything should be done to identify those responsible and the strongest action must be taken. Shane of course will receive the full support of everyone at Celtic."

We told how Duffy posted the message, captioning it: "There's abuse which is fine but surely there's a limit nah", with a shrugging shoulders emoji.

It comes in the wake of manager Neil Lennon being critical of keyboard warriors after fellow Irishman James McClean was sent death threats and sick messages on Instagram.

Lennon said: "These social media platforms don't display any accountability or look after the people who are on the end of this constant abuse, whether it be racial, whether it be sectarian, whether it be personal, whether it be social.

"It is a real poison in modern day society and it is more prevalent in football because it is so much more public and out there. It is disgusting. I'm fed up talking about it now because nothing gets done."

Instagram confirmed to Herald and Times Sport that they were investigating.