Officials from Rangers FC say they do not condone “any kind of threatening behaviour” after BBC Scotland presenter Jim Spence was verbally abused while walking with his wife.
The behaviour of the man who confronted Mr Spence in Angus on Thursday was last night described as “completely unacceptable”.
The journalist has come under fire from Rangers fans after he made a comment during a live radio broadcast that some people held the view that Rangers was a “club that died”.
Mr Spence, who lives just outside Dundee, thanked police for their assistance on his Twitter account.
He wrote: “Thanks to @TaysidePolice for a reassuring call there after an incident earlier today. This is getting out of hand.”
He added: “Was out for a walk with my wife … Abuse on twitter is one thing but when people start on you in the street with your wife that’s another entirely.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said Mr Spence phoned his local police station for advice and an officer later returned his call, but police were not formally involved in any investigation into the incident.
The police spokesman added: “Tayside Division is aware of the matter and appropriate advice was given.
“We will discuss further with the individual.”
Mr Spence has received abuse and threats via email and social media after discussing Rangers’ new boardroom appointments on the Sportsound radio show last Wednesday.
During the broadcast he said: “John McClelland, who was the chairman of the old club, some people will tell you the club, well, the club that died, possibly coming back in terms of the new chairman.”
Three months ago the BBC Trust upheld two complaints that BBC Scotland was wrong to use the terms “new” and “old” club when discussing Rangers.
The BBC received more than 400 complaints about the comments with some supporters calling for the broadcaster to be sacked by the corporation.
Rangers’ lawyers also complained to the BBC.
Mr Spence enlisted the help of National Union of Journalist Scottish organiser Paul Holleran, who set up a meeting with the BBC, who assured him that his job was not at risk.
Mr Holleran said: “The messages Jim received ranged from winding him up that he was going to lose his job to accusing him of all kind of vile things.
“There were two or three that were hinting at violence as well. The BBC has forwarded the worst messages on to police.
“Jim was very taken aback when he was confronted while walking with his wife.
“Jim was just doing his job. It’s completely unacceptable that he has been subjected to these levels of abuse that have now led to verbal threats and confrontation.”
Mr Spence declined to comment when contacted by The Courier.
A spokesman for Rangers FC said: “Rangers fans have every right to complain in the correct manner to the BBC about their coverage of the club.
“However, the club does not condone any kind of threatening behaviour.”