Anti-racism message loud and clear

Community police officers in Monklands spread the message to football fans that racism in any form on and off the pitch is unacceptable following a pair of highprofile incidents involving the area’s SPFL teams.

Airdrieonians defender Rico Quitongo was allegedly racially abused by his own club’s supporters during the Diamonds’ clash with Partick Thistle at Firhill on September 11, while, one week later, Kelty Hearts striker Nathan Austin suffered alleged racial abuse from what was believed to be Albion Rovers fans when his team played at Rovers’ Cliftonhill Stadium.

On the back of these incidents, officers from Airdrie and Coatbridge’s community teams held two days of action at Cliftonhill Stadium and Airdrieonian’s Penny Cars Stadium.

The informative events saw the officers engage with both clubs’ supporters and the general public, with representatives from charity Show Racism the Red Card also in attendance.

A police spokesperson said: “Our aim was to raise awareness, while handing out leaflets, flyers and posters as well as the clubs making tannoy announcements during the half-time interval of their matches, and outline both clubs’ and Police Scotland’s zero tolerance stance on these types of incidents.

“Staff from Show Racism the Red Card also handed out leaflets from the charity whilst engaging with Airdrie and Rovers supporters. Racism in any form is totally unacceptable and racist incidents can be reported to police via 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity is guaranteed.”

The Advertiser was in attendance at the event held at Airdrie’s Penny Cars Stadium and we are delighted to show our support for the anti-racism message by featuring a selection of photos from the awarenessraising activities.