A LANARKSHIRE footballer has claimed he was racially abused by a member of his own support during his team's draw with Queen's Park on Saturday.
Airdrieonians defender Rico Quitongo says Diamonds bosses are investigating the alleged incident at Firhill as he branded the fan a "coward".
In an emotional Twitter post last night, Quitongo - the son of Jose Quitongo - called for more to be done to stamp out racism.
He said:
an’t believe I’m actually writing this but here goes… 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.”
— rico quitongo (@15ricoquitongo) September 14, 2021
Quitongo, who was widely backed by his teammates following the post, added: "
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.
“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 is the last thing I’d want but more needs done for cowards to change!”
Quitongo played the full 90 minutes in Airdrie's win over Alloa last night and made a fantastic goal-line clearance during the clash to help the Diamonds to the three points.
He joined Airdrie from Dumbarton in the summer and has made 10 appearances so far this season.
Airdrieonians FC said in a statement: "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."
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