Motherwell and Hamilton Accies will join clubs across the country in a boycott of social media this weekend in protest at the racist and discriminatory abuse online suffered by players, staff and supporters.
Clubs will come together with the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Football and PFA Scotland and clubs in the Lowland and West of Scotland Leagues in switching-off all social media activity from 3pm today until 11.59pm on Monday.
There will be no reports or match reaction posted by clubs until Tuesday, after the four-day boycott passes.
But Lanarkshire Live Sport understands clubs will still post starting line-up news, as well as half-time and full-time results on social media along with the hashtag #FootballUnites.
Supporters can also follow updates on clubs' official websites.
The SPFL have asked clubs to 'switch off' their channels, whilst allowing very limited posting to keep supporters informed of key results.
Fellow SPFL clubs in Lanarkshire - Airdrieonians, Albion Rovers and Clyde - will also take part.
Airdrieonians FC are proud to stand with the rest of Scottish football in a social media boycott in response to continuing racist and discriminatory abuse online. #FootballUnites https://t.co/F1TccAybdx pic.twitter.com/AJt2I5SrZE
— Airdrieonians FC (@AirdrieoniansFC) April 29, 2021
Hamilton Accies chairman Allan Maitland said: "Hamilton Accies is a club for all and we fully support the upcoming social media boycott.
“There simply is no excuse for anyone to be subject to discriminatory abuse online with no real consequences for perpetrators.
“We expect social media companies to do more and take a much tougher stance on those doing so.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Discrimination of any kind has absolutely no place in Scottish football and the online abuse received by some of those involved in our national game is absolutely abhorrent.
"The SPFL is committed to ensuring that Scottish football is inclusive and welcoming to all.
“Players and supporters from diverse backgrounds have played, and continue to play, an enormously positive and valued role in our game. Diversity is part of what makes Scottish football what it is, it should be protected and championed.
“As a society, we all have a responsibility to stamp out abusive behaviour and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy football in this country without fear of receiving hate-filled messages online.
The #WoSFL will be joining the Clubs, Leagues and Associations taking part in social media boycott from 3pm Friday 30th April till 11:59pm Monday 3rd May.
— West of Scotland Football League (@OfficialWoSFL) April 28, 2021
We also ask our member clubs to take part in the boycott. pic.twitter.com/lcfUIxOjpp
“Social media provides a wonderful platform for clubs of all sizes to communicate with their fans. It’s a platform that our clubs have used to great effect in recent years but it is also a medium that is being abused by a vile and mindless minority.
"These cowards often hide behind anonymous accounts and it is incumbent upon social media companies to actively and aggressively combat this problem.
“The SPFL will continue to work with our member clubs and partners, including Show Racism the Red Card, the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to drive home the message that there’s no place in our game for discrimination of any kind.”
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