Two Scots football clubs have launched investigations over reports of fans aiming ‘racist and homophobic slurs’ at players for both teams. Bonnyrigg Rose and Stenhousemuir FC have apologised to each other following the unsavoury events during Saturday’s cinch League 2 match at New Dundas Park, Midlothian.
At least one Bonnyrigg supporter has been slapped with an immediate ban after allegedly being caught using racist language. And investigations are underway to identify an individual from the Stenhousemuir’s support who was heard aiming a homophobic remark towards an opposition player.
A statement from Stenhousemuir FC said: “There is no such thing as ‘banter’ or ‘a joke’ when it comes to racism or homophobia. Stenhousemuir Football Club will tolerate neither, and we join with our colleagues at Bonnyrigg Rose in acting swiftly and severely to deal with any such incidents.
“We would like to thank Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club for making us aware of two extremely disappointing incidents that took place during Saturday’s cinch League 2 match at New Dundas Park. Quite simply, there is no place whatsoever for any racist or homophobic abuse in football.
“This will never be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly and severely. We are grateful to Bonnyrigg for their apology regarding the racist remark directed at one of our players from the home support.
“We would like to offer our own sincere apology to Bonnyrigg Rose FC, and the player concerned, for the homophobic remark that was shouted during the game from within the Stenhousemuir support. Having been made aware of these incidents, we will be initiating an immediate investigation to try to identify those responsible for the homophobic remark so that we can take the appropriate action.”
Bonnyrigg Rose treasurer Brendan Parkinson added: “Following reports made to the club of racist and homophobic language used at our match vs Stenhousemuir on Saturday, the club wishes to issue the following update. A ban has been issued to an individual with immediate effect for using racist language.
“If you were at the game yesterday and want to assist us with our on-going investigation into the homophobic language used, you can email either us here or Stenhousemuir here in the strictest of confidence. I would like to thank Iain McMenemy and Stenhousemuir football club for their full co-operation and assistance.
“Our club is proud to have players, committee, staff and supporters from a number of different backgrounds and cultures, and will continue to work alongside all other clubs throughout the country to ensure that all forms of discrimination are kicked out of the game.
“We will not tolerate such incidents and would like to remind all supporters of our Unacceptable Conduct and Ground Regulation policies.”
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