FOOTBALL bosses at a North Lanarkshire club have confirmed they are investigating claims a supporter racially abused their own player.
Airdrieonians chiefs say they will "not tolerate racism" amid allegations Rico Quitongo was targeted by a fan during Saturday's draw with Queen's Park.
In an emotional Twitter post last night, Quitongo - the son of Jose Quitongo - called for more to be done to stamp out abuse and branded the accused a "coward".
READ MORE: Airdrie's Rico Quitongo claims he was abused by fan during Queen's Park clash
"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," an Airdrie statement read.
"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.
"Anyone who witnessed or heard the incident during the match against Queen’s Park last Saturday should contact the club in the strictest of confidence at boardofdirectors@airdriefc.com
"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."
As we have previously reported, Quitongo said he was "hugely disappointed" to hear the alleged comment during the game at Firhill.
The defender, who has been widely backed by his team-mates, said: "Can’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.”
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