CLAIMS that visiting fans directed racial abuse at Ayr United midfielder Declan McDaid are being investigated by Raith Rovers.

United last week notified the Kirkcaldy club that the match referee’s attention was drawn to offensive remarks of a racial nature which were made during the top-of-the-table clash on March 10 at the railway end of Somerset Park, where the visiting support were based.

The Fife club said in a statement: “Raith Rovers FC condemn in the strongest possible terms any form of abuse of a racist nature, are committed to investigating this incident thoroughly, and identifying the person or persons responsible.

“As well as being wholly unacceptable, this behaviour is in direct contravention of Raith Rovers Football Club’s own Supporters Code of Conduct, as outlined at: www.raithrovers.net/files/Code_Of_Conduct.pdf.

“Consequently, we have been conducting a rigorous investigation to identify the person or persons responsible. 

“Any information that can assist in this can be sent in confidence to the Raith Rovers Safety Officer: safety@raithrovers.net.”

An Ayr United spokeswoman said: “The club are in conversation with Raith Rovers to investigate an alleged racist incident that happened at Somerset Park on Saturday during the match, which was brought to our attention by the referee. 

“Raith have been very thorough in looking into the incident.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We are unaware of any racial crime during the game on Saturday, March 10.

“However, we would encourage the reporting of any incidents of this type.

“It will not be tolerated and Police Scotland view this as a serious incident and will make all efforts to trace those responsible.”