Racism row sees fans' group banned by Albion Rovers

Albion Rovers have banned fans' group 'The Coatbridge Boys' from Cliftonhill during their ongoing investigation into claims of racial abuse against Kelty Hearts striker Nathan Austin during Saturday's 3-0 League Two win.

Austin claimed the match ball with a perfect hat-trick in the win, but later said he had been called a 'monkey' by a supporter, which the Coatbridge Boys owned up to that evening, adding that they had removed the person responsible from their group.

However, Albion Rovers last night issued a statement saying: "Following Saturday's very serious allegations of racial abuse, the club have decided to ban the 'Coatbridge Boys' from the Reigart Stadium pending the outcome of formal investigations.

Austin said on social media that he had been abused by a fan (SNS Group)

"Albion Rovers Football Club abhors racism and discriminatory behaviour both on and off the field.

"The board of directors will make no further comment at this time."

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.