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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Paul Thomson

BREAKING: Airdrie's Rico Quitongo claims he was racially abused by 'cowardly' Diamonds fan

Airdrieonians defender Rico Quitongo has claimed he was racially abused by a member of the Diamonds' support during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Queen's Park.

In an emotional post on Twitter following last night's 2-1 win over Alloa, the defender revealed the club are investigating the incident at Firhill and he says the club are giving him their full support, although he admits "you can't always catch these idiots."

The 22-year-old branded the fan who allegedly abused him as "cowardly" and Quitongo - the son of Jambos cult hero Jose Quitongo and whose brother Jai plays for Queen's Park - has called for more to be done to stamp out racism.

His Twitter post read: "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 where 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.

Airdrie boss Ian Murray with new signing Rico Quitongo, right (Airdrie FC)

"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.

"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.

Quitongo was at Dumbarton last season (SNS Group)

"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."

Quitongo played the full 90 minutes in last night's win over Alloa 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 have yet to comment.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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