A fresh investigation is under way after a player at Highland League side Huntly was allegedly subjected to racial abuse for the second time in 72 hours.
The incident is alleged to have happened during Saturday’s goalless draw between Keith and Huntly at Kynoch Park.
It is the second investigation launched in a week following a similar incident during Huntly’s midweek game against Nairn County at Station Park.
Keith have appealed for fans to come forward and help the club identify those responsible and have vowed to ban anyone found guilty of racial abuse from the club.
Club Statement:https://t.co/S9xZ367J2Z pic.twitter.com/QPqrYu1kJk
— Keith Football Club (@KeithFC) March 27, 2022
A statement from Keith club secretary Fiona Simpson read: “An incident took place during our match yesterday against Huntly FC where a racial comment was directed towards a Huntly FC player.
“Keith FC have immediately launched an investigation to ascertain if the individual concerned can be conclusively identified.
“Keith FC ask that any person or persons who can provide evidence of the incident to come forward.
“This evidence can take any form. Any such evidence will be treated in strict confidence and can be provided by email to keithfc@highlandleague.com or by contacting the club Secretary Fiona Simpson on 07877 444 024.
“In line with Keith FC policy for such incidents, proven racial harassment or abuse will lead to action being taken against the individual and will result in a ban from Keith Football Club.
“Keith FC will give their full support to the police in any criminal actions and will pass on any information obtained so that the appropriate and necessary action can be taken.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that any person or persons holding views of a discriminatory nature of any kind will not be tolerated or welcome at Keith FC.”
Black and Golds boss Hale stands behind his players
Huntly boss Allan Hale, who used to manage Keith, is appalled to see his players suffer for the second time in a matter of days.
He tweeted: “This has a more meaningful today after a second incident within 72hrs apart of racial abuse directed at our players.
“I apologise wholeheartedly to the players affected.
“Racism is completely unacceptable in any form or in any setting and as a club we stand resolutely behind our players.”
This has a more meaningful today after a 2nd incident within 72hrs apart of racial abuse directed at our players. I apologise wholeheartedly to the players affected. Racism is completely unacceptable in any form or in any setting & as a club we stand resolutely behind our players pic.twitter.com/KfivmIka3c
— Allan Hale (@allanhale87) March 27, 2022
On Sunday evening, the Highland League released a statement saying racism has no place in the game.
It read: “The Highland League has always prided itself on its inclusiveness, its role in the communities in which it exists and its acceptance of diversity.
“However, recent weeks have seen a worrying trend with instances of racial abuse occurring at SHFL matches.
“This is completely unacceptable and has no place in the Highland League or, indeed, anywhere.
“The message is quite simple to those who use such language – you are not welcome at Highland League matches, or matches anywhere, so stay away as you have no place in a modern society.
“To all Highland League supporters – be aware of this issue and point out anyone who resorts to racist language.
“Remember – for bad things to survive, all that’s needed is that good people do nothing.
“It’s time for the good people to stand up and be counted.”
A Huntly FC statement said police had been contacted over the alleged incident.
It read: “Given the disgusting racial comment directed at our player we felt it was appropriate to inform Police Scotland.
“Our club has a duty to protect all of our employees from all types of discrimination.
“Racial abuse is abhorrent and such episodes highlight the responsibility we collectively have to work harder to eradicate such abuse and punish the perpetrators.”
