Rico Quitongo brings race discrimination claim against Airdrieonians
- Published
Rico Quitongo claimed he was abused by one of his own club's fans
Former Airdrieonians player Rico Quitongo is making a racial discrimination claim against the club and a director.
The 22-year-old claimed he was racially abused by an Airdrie fan during a game with Queen's Park last September.
The club carried out an investigation but it was subsequently dropped due to "insufficient evidence".
An employment tribunal will now look at how the case was handled but the club has denied the player's claims.
Quitongo, who alleges racial harassment and victimisation, is being backed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the PFA Scotland footballers' union.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has started its own investigation into the case.
The legal team representing the player said he was pursuing his claim "in an effort to ensure that no other footballer experiences what he has".
Margaret Gribbon, of Bridge Employment Solicitors, said: "He hopes to effect much-needed change, by exposing the gap between anti-racism rhetoric and the realities faced daily by footballers subjected to racist abuse and discrimination."
Quitongo, now playing with Peterhead, said after the initial incident with the fan that he was "not surprised" but "hugely disappointed" by the alleged racist abuse.
Writing on social media, he said: "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. I am proud to be black and proud to be who I am."
'Much-needed change'
Airdrieonians appealed for witnesses after the Scottish League 1 match but later dropped their investigation, saying "we have now exhausted all possible options".
Lynn Welsh, head of legal and compliance at the EHRC, said every employer "should understand their responsibilities, and what the consequences are for not following the law".
She added: "There is no place for racism in football, or any other part of our society.
"As both employers and as part of their wider community, football clubs have an important role to play in tackling discrimination.
"That starts with their duty to protect their employees, including the players on the pitch who are too often still subject to racist abuse."
'Insufficient evidence'
Airdrieonians said the club abhorred all forms of discrimination and took a zero tolerance approach to racism.
A club statement said: "Airdrieonians conducted its own investigation and found that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint made from a supporter.
"Airdrieonians also reported all matters to Police Scotland who, Airdrieonians understand, investigated and no criminal prosecution resulted.
"Claims have been made to the employment tribunal by Mr Quitongo. Those claims are denied in the entirety. No further comment will be made out of respect for those ongoing legal proceedings."
The SFA confirmed it had initiated an investigation and would await the outcome of that tribunal.
In a statement, it said: "The Scottish FA condemns all forms of racist and discriminatory behaviour. Indeed, our equality vision states that everybody should have the opportunity to participate in football at all levels, and that no individual should be discriminated against."