Rico Quitongo makes racial discrimination claim against Airdrieonians

Former Airdrieonians defender Rico Quitongo is making an employment tribunal claim against the club and one of its directors after claiming he experienced racial discrimination.

The 22-year-old claims he was racially abused by one of the club's supporters during a match against Queen's Park last year.

The club carried out an investigation following the alleged incident in September.

Airdrieonians ended the investigation citing 'insufficient evidence', with Quitongo then asking to be released from his contract.

Quitongo alleges harassment and victimisation and an employment tribunal will now look at how the case was handled.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the PFA Scotland are both backing the player in his case.

Margaret Gribbon, solicitor at Bridge Employment Solicitors representing Rico Quitongo, said: “Rico is strongly committed to pursuing this legal claim in an effort to ensure that no other footballer experiences what he has. 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.

“He is extremely grateful to PFA Scotland and the Equality and Human Rights Commission for their support.”

Lynn Welsh, Head of Legal and Compliance at the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland, said:

“There is no place for racism in football, or any other part of our society.

“As the equality regulator for the whole of Great Britain, the EHRC are pleased to support this case through our race discrimination fund. Every employer should understand their responsibilities, and what the consequences are for not following the law.

“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.”

The Scottish FA have also launched an investigation of their own.

A statement from the governing body read: "The Scottish FA has initiated an investigation into race discrimination claims made by Rico Quitongo against his former club, Airdrieonians FC.

"We are aware that an employment tribunal claim has been raised by the player, supported by PFA Scotland and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and await the outcome of that tribunal.

"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”.

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