Raith probe claims fans racially abused Mcdaid

sectarian songs. Independent match delegates are assigned to every top-tier game and are usually selected from a pool of former players.

The SPFL explained that clubs agreed last year “to approve updated guidance that encourages clubs to develop proactive programmes and make progress towards raising awareness of the prevention and, where present, the elimination of unacceptable conduct in stadia in which matches take place.”

At the start of this season the SPFL started to collate and share information with both the Scottish Government and Police Scotland regarding incidents of unacceptable conduct at SPFL matches at regular intervals throughout the season.

However, the league body has declined to release figures relating to this season. Raith Rovers have launched an investigation into claims some of their supporters racially abused Ayr midfielder Declan Mcdaid.

The Ladbrokes League 1 side have appealed to fans for information over the allegations following their 3-0 defeat by their nearest challengers on Saturday.

A club statement read: “Raith Rovers FC have received notification from Ayr United that the match referee’s attention was drawn to offensive remarks of a racial nature made during the game from the Railway End of Somerset Park (where the travelling support were housed last Saturday) to Ayr player Declan Mcdaid.

“Raith Rovers FC condemn in the strongest possible terms any form of abuse of a racist nature, are committed to investigating this incident thoroughly, and identifying the person or persons responsible.

“As well as being wholly unacceptable, this behaviour is in direct contravention of Raith Rovers Football Club’s own Supporters Code of Conduct.

“Consequently, we have been conducting a rigorous investigation to identify the person or persons responsible.”