Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
DIAMONDSFACE QUITONGOPROBE
PFA Scotland has announced Airdrie are being investigated for their handling of alleged racist abuse towards Diamonds player Rico Quitongo.
The alleged racist attack occurred during last month’s League One match between Airdrie and Queen’s Park, but the New Broomfield club said after conducting a “thorough investigation” there was “insufficient evidence” to take further action.
However, the club’s involvement in handling the situation will now come under the spotlight. Quitongo was dropped from boss Ian Murray’s squad last weekend as Airdrie beat Falkirk 3-0 and the manager refused to comment on the situation.
The defender is now seeking legal advice over the club’s handling of the situation and he is being backed by the Players’ Football Association.
A PFA Scotland statement read: “The union has recently been advising it’s member, Rico Quitongo, following allegations he was racially abused by an Airdrieonians fans during the match with Queen’s Park on September 11, 2021.
“We’ve been supporting Rico on all aspects of these serious allegations and the Union’s solicitors are advising him on his rights under The Equality Act 2010 both in relation to the alleged racist incident and Airdrieonians FC’S handling of it.
“Our solicitors are carefully considering the duties placed on clubs by the SFA to investigate racist allegations of this nature.
“PFA Scotland is fully supportive of Rico in the investigation of this matter. As this is in the hands of our lawyers, there will be no further comment.”
The news comes in a month of action when all clubs in the SPFL are promoting the Show Racism The Red Card campaign.
The Airdrie squad supported the campaign ahead of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Dumbarton, wearing
SRTRC T-shirts and holding up cards ahead of kick-off.
Last week the Advertiser reported how Quitongo was unhappy with the way the club had handled the situation and his brother Jai – who plays for Queen’s Park – had publicly criticised the club with a post on Twitter.
In the PFA Scotland statement, Quitongo said: “I’d like to thank PFA Scotland for their support through what has been a difficult time for me and my family. I’m working with the union and their lawyers so will be making no further comment at this time.”
Airdrie have not responded to the PFA Scotland statement and declined to comment when contacted by the Advertiser.