Anthony Stewart has hit out after the Aberdeen captain was subjected to online racist abuse following his side’s defeat to St Mirren in Paisley on Christmas Eve.
The former Wycombe Wanderers man was sent off against the Buddies as Jim Goodwin’s side slipped to their third defeat on the spin but criticism towards the 30-year-old turned ugly, forcing him to react. In one sickening social media message, Stewart was called a “baboon” and Stewart responded: “There are many highs and lows in this beautiful game and I take full responsibility for my mistake which cost us three points. However, I don't take racist abuse lightly.” Footballers and clubs boycotted social media last April in a mass protest against the abuse and racism aimed at players and Stewart, who moved to Pittodrie in the summer and was handed the skipper’s armband, is the latest victim in Scotland.
Stewart was sent off following a challenge on St Mirren star Jonah Ayunga in the box on a day when the Dons conceded THREE penalties. He will miss his side’s trip to Kilmarnock as they look to stop their run of defeats.