A bigoted north-east football fan whose racist taunts left a teenage player in tears could have been caught on camera.
East Stirlingshire were forced to substitute defender Jordan Tapping during Saturday’s clash with Peterhead at Balmoor Stadium after he was left visibly distressed by what his club described as continued racial abuse.
Last night, police said they were closing in on the culprit, while the Scottish Professional Football League confirmed it had launched its own probe after receiving the referee’s report.
The match was filmed for Peterhead’s online BlueToon TV service and the Press and Journal understands camera operators were instructed to turn the focus on to supporters when the abuse was first reported to officials.
Two Shire players have also said they would be able to identify the rogue supporter and it is understood footage will be examined by police.
Peterhead FC chairman, Rodger Morrison, last night said the club was helping Police Scotland with inquiries.
“We have carried out our own investigation into what happened and have passed on our findings to the police,” he said.
“This is the first incident of this kind we have ever had to deal with, which is disappointing after all the work we put into promoting anti-racism at the club and at local schools.”
Asked if the person behind the attack could expect a ban from the club, Mr Morrison said he did not want to say anything which could prejudice ongoing inquiries.
Blue Toon supporters have condemned the abuse and urged anyone who knows who was responsible to speak up.
The club believes the offensive chants and comments came from a single supporter who was standing behind Balmoor’s south goal. There were about 550 fans at Saturday’s game, which ended in a 4-0 victory for Peterhead.
A statement from Peterhead FC said last night: “All the officials at the club are extremely upset that the positive work the club does within the community with Grampian Racial Equality and Show Racism the Red Card Scotland has been compromised by the unacceptable behaviour of one individual.”
Peterhead-based Inspector Andy Imray said: “We are working closely with Peterhead Football Club to identify those responsible for this abuse and I would like to thank those people who have already contacted the club about this.
“From information gathered so far, we have positive lines of inquiry to progress.”
In a statement released by East Stirlingshire, the Falkirk-based club showed its appreciation for fans’ support.
Jordan, a 17-year-old pupil at St Mungo’s High School, has declined to speak about the incident.