DESPICABLE
Fury of Airdrie star after he is racially abused by one of his own supporters
AIRDRIEONIANS last night vowed to hand a lifetime ban to the supporter alleged to have targeted Diamonds defender Rico Quitongo with racist abuse.
The League One outfit are investigating after the 22-year-old reported being the victim of a vile slur during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Queen’s Park.
‘Can’t believe I’m actually writing this, but here goes,’ Quitongo wrote in a post on Twitter.
‘Saturday at my football game away to Queen’s Park I was subjected to racial abuse by one of my own Airdrie supporters.
‘Now, as I’m not surprised with this still in football, I am more hugely disappointed to hear it from a section where my family would normally be sitting.
‘Thankfully, my family weren’t there but it makes no difference. It shouldn’t be in football and I absolutely don’t deserve to be personally abused for my skin colour.
‘I’m all for banter with fans etc, but I will not tolerate it whatsoever.
‘I am proud to be black and proud to be who I am. I may not be the best footballer for fans, but I shouldn’t be singled out period.’
Quitongo, whose father Jose played for Hearts and Hamilton and whose brother Jai is currently with Queen’s Park, played the full 90 minutes of the League One clash.
He added: ‘The club have a pending investigation and are supporting me as much as they can, but you can’t always catch these idiots that make these remarks, which upsets me. ‘This is not a cry for sympathy, as it’s the last thing I’d want, but more needs to done for cowards to change.’
Last night Airdrie offered their support to Quitongo as they promised a zero-tolerance approach to racism.
A club statement read: ‘Following a social media post made by a current member of the Airdrieonians squad, we can confirm that the club are conducting an investigation into alleged racist remarks made by a supporter.
‘As a club, Airdrieonians will not tolerate racism. Any individual using racist language is not welcome at Airdrieonians FC and will face a lifetime ban from attending matches. Rico Quitongo has the full support of everyone at the club. Many of our supporters have contacted the club directly expressing their support and respect for Rico.
‘Pending the results of the investigation, the club will be making no further comment.’
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact the club in the strictest of confidence at boardofdirectors@ airdriefc.com