Police are investigating allegations of racist abuse against a schoolboy defender at a north-east football match.
East Stirlingshire FC was forced to substitute visibly distraught player Jordan Tapping during the club’s clash with Peterhead at Balmoor Stadium on Saturday.
The 17-year-old walked off the pitch in tears after what was described as a prolonged torrent of racially-aggravated taunts from a small number of Blue Toon supporters.
The incident, which has been condemned by fans of both sides, will now be reported to the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League.
Last night, Police Scotland confirmed that a criminal inquiry had been launched.
It is alleged that Mr Tapping, cousin of Hearts midfielder Callum, was subjected to monkey chants and name- calling in the second half of his team’s 4-0 defeat.
Peterhead FC are using a video of the game, which was not policed, to identify those responsible. Chairman Rodger Morrison apologised to the player in person after the match.
In a statement posted online last night, the Buchan club said it “reacted swiftly” to allegations of racist remarks. “The head steward approached the group where the comments were alleged to have come from, although no witnesses came forward,” a spokesman for the League Two side said.
“The club officials also approached the match officials who advised that while they were made aware of the alleged comments, they did not witness or hear the comments themselves.”
The spokesman added: “The club would like to emphasise the very strong anti-racism policy laid down by the club. We will continue our investigation in an attempt to source the alleged perpetrators.
“We sincerely apologise for any upset this has caused.”
East Stirlingshire said Mr Tapping was substituted to protect him from further abuse which was causing him “extreme distress”.
The club said it will now raise the matter with association and league officials.
A spokesman said: “Above all, the club has offered its complete support to Jordan and his family after what has been a very distressing episode.”
Last night, club secretary Tadek Kopszywa added: “Jordan was visibly upset by the incident and great credit is due to this team-mates and coaching staff for dealing with the situation at the time it happened.
“I have spoken to him myself and Jordan knows that everyone at the club from the chairman down is there to support him and offer our utmost help and assistance in dealing with this.”
He said: “If any young idiots who go to football matches and think that making racist comments is just a bit of fun, then they might care to consider the emotional impact this has had on a 17-year-old school-kid who is trying to make his way in football, before opening their mouths.”
Mr Kopszywa said the club would now take up the matter with the SFA and SPFL to make them fully aware of what happened and ask for any advice or assistance.
He added that the club felt it was important to speak out on the matter, rather than deal with it behind closed doors.
Two of Mr Tapping’s team-mates, Graeme McGregor and Chris Townsley, said they may be able to help pick out the culprits, who were understood to be standing behind Shire’s goal.
Last night, a police spokesman appealed for any witnesses to come forward. “Racial abuse in any form is not only completely unacceptable, it is also criminal,” he said.
“We will be liaising closely with both football clubs to thoroughly investigate this incident which, at this time, would appear to have involved a small minority of people.”
Mr Morrison said that as an investigation was ongoing, he did not wish to comment at this time.
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