A female assistant referee was the victim of “discriminatory and abusive comments” at a football match in Castle Douglas on Saturday.
Niamh Lundy suffered the abuse while officiating in the derby game between Threave Rovers and St Cuthbert Wanderers at Meadow Park.
The matter was reported to referee David Milton who threatened to abandon the crucial South of Scotland League clash unless action was taken.
In a joint statement released afterwards, Threave chairman David McVitie and Saints chairperson Tracey McGarrie said: “At half-time in last Saturday’s match, the match referee made representatives of both clubs aware of discriminatory and abusive comments made by fans and directed at the assistant referee on the stand side.
“The volume and content of these comments was severe enough that an intervention from the home club was needed to ensure the continuation of the match.
“Both clubs have taken the decision to publicly address this situation and state in no uncertain terms that discriminatory and abusive language has no place in football.
“Such conduct was entirely unacceptable and should the individual(s) concerned be identified they will be dealt with in a manner the clubs see fit. Threave Rovers and St Cuthbert Wanderers remain fully committed to ensuring that any unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated at their games.”
The match was allowed to continue with Saints emerging 4-2 victors.
