Police are investigating claims of sectarian chanting towards Rangers manager Steven Gerrard during his team's 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen.

Chants were said to have been aimed at the 38-year-old during the Scottish Cup replay at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

It comes a week after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned clubs of sectarian behaviour from fans or the Scottish Government would step in.

Police have now confirmed they are investigating sectarian singing aimed towards Gerrard.

A spokeswoman said: "Police are aware of this matter and enquiries are ongoing."

Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke spoke out against the problem after "cheer up F***** b******" chants were aimed at him during a defeat to Rangers last month.

In an emotional press-conference after the game Clarke publicly thanked Chelsea for taking him and his family away from the "toxic" sectarianism of the west of Scotland.

Club striker Kris Boyd then also hit-out at the mindless abuse after he was targeted by Celtic fans with chants of "fat orange b*stard" during a 1-0 defeat in February in which he was also hit by a coin thrown from the away end.

Earlier this season, when he was still Hibs manager, Neil Lennon spoke out against sectarian abuse against him after he was struck by a coin and subjected to abuse during a 0-0 draw against Hearts.

After sinister "hang Neil Lennon" graffiti appeared, Lennon said Scottish football had a big problem with sectarianism and anti-Irish racism.