EDEL KENEALY
Sports clubs across Renfrewshire last night ended their fourday boycott of social media in a collective protest against hate online.
A number of clubs across the local authority area backed the mass silence in a bid to tackle abuse and discrimination on social media platforms.
Running from 3pm on Friday until 11.59pm last night, the initiative was backed by St Mirren FC, Thorn Athletic FC, Renfrew FC and Bishopton Rugby Club amongst others.
The show of solidarity against online abuse aimed to encourage companies operating online platforms to take a stronger stance against racist and sexist abuse by users.
St Mirren, whose players have consistently called out racism in recent years, said it stood with clubs across the UK in sending the message that such abuse will not be tolerated by Buddies.
In a statement issued before the Paisley side started its radio silence, the club said “Enough is enough.
“Scottish football has united to support a boycott of social media in response to continuing racist and discriminatory abuse online aimed at players, staff, supporters and others associated with the game.
“We will join clubs across the country as well as the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Football and PFA Scotland in switching- off all social media activity.”
The boy c o t t w a s spearheaded by these organisations in partnership with other groups including Kick It Out.
The charity which seeks to kick racism out of the beautiful game for good, said the boycott was a signal to social media bosses that change is needed and needed now.
Mark McGee, secretary of Thorn Athletic Football Club, said the Johnstone club fully backed all projects aimed at kicking racism and any other kind of discrimination out of football.
“To see social media used in such a negative way is disgusting for us,” he told the Express.
“So much positivity can come from us setting an example, specifically to our younger people through initiatives such as this, to show them that kind of behaviour is not acceptable.
“It’s important to take steps to lay down a marker to show that it won’t be tolerated at any level of the game, from the premiership to the grassroots.”
Junior side Renfrew FC said it too was taking part, arguing it was time for urgent action.
A spokesman said: “Something has to happen.
“There are more and more people hiding behind computers and abusing others, this has to stop.
“People have to be accountable for their actions.
“Discrimination and racist abuse of others is not on and needs to be stamped out of society, not just football.”
Both Thorn and Renfrew backed the Scottish Amateur Football League’s call for teams up and down the country to support the boycott.
And Rugby Union, cricket and rugby league also joined the protest.
Bi s h o p t o n Ru gby Club added: “We will be boycotting social media as part of the wider sporting community effort to combat online hate.
“We remain true to our values of integrity, respect and inclusion and unite with all in sport to halt any form of hate across social media.”
Scottish football has united to support a boycott