KICK IT OUT
Sinclair calls for racists to be banned from football
SCOTT SINCLAIR last night called for racists to be kicked out of football after suffering abuse during Celtic’s 5-1 derby demolition of Rangers at Ibrox.
Sinclair was speaking after Paul Kenny (28) appeared yesterday at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he admitted making racial gestures at the match on Saturday, contrary to the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.
The incident occurred after Sinclair opened the scoring from the penalty spot. It was the first time he had suffered such an experience in a career that has taken him to Manchester
City, Aston Villa and Swansea. Sinclair was supported by his Celtic team-mates and manager Brendan Rodgers, and later tweeted an anti-racism message. Yesterday, as he was named on the PFA Scotland shortlist for Premiership Player of the Year, he vowed not to let the vile incident affect him. ‘There’s no need for racism in this day and age,’ said Sinclair. ‘The small minority should be kicked out. That’s the first time it has happened in my career, so I was quite taken aback by it. Obviously, it was very shocking. ‘There’s always loads of people (against racism), but there is a minority of people who are going to try and bring you down. I’ve just got to rise above it. I’ve got to carry on with my football and keep enjoying that. ‘But my team-mates got right behind me. They didn’t realise until after the game that it had happened — just like I did. ‘It was great to get my team-mates’ support. ‘Brendan Rodgers spoke to me and gave me a text to show his support. ‘But there shouldn’t be headlines (about racism). No matter who you support there is no need for anything like that in football or in society.’ Kenny, from Girvan in Ayrshire, admitted engaging in behaviour that is likely or would be likely to incite public disorder by ‘shouting and making racial gestures’ at Ibrox on April 29. He was granted bail with the added condition he cannot go to any regulated football games. David McLellan (23), of Irvine, Ayrshire, also admitted an offence under the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act by running onto the field, behaving in an aggressive manner and confronting Celtic captain Scott Brown. A third Rangers fan, Steven Morrison, from Pollok, admitted singing sectarian lyrics of a song. All three men will be sentenced at a later date.