Footballer fined £850 for racial abuse

Published on Friday 1 August 2008 10:39

A JUNIOR footballer who racially abused an opponent twice during two different matches has been fined £850.

Wayne McIntosh, 23, from Lochend Avenue, called Spartans defender Daniel Gerrard a "black b******" on both occasions.

McIntosh faced Spartans twice in a matter of months, playing for two different sides. After the second insult, in an East Scotland Premier Division match while playing for Whitehill Welfare, Mr Gerrard, 36, made a complaint.

Spartans, one of the country's top junior sides, backed their player and complained to the Scottish Football Association, but the SFA threw out the case at tribunal claiming there was not enough evidence.

The matter resurfaced after it was raised by Independent Lothians MSP Margo McDonald in the Scottish Parliament, triggering a police investigation.

Yesterday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, McIntosh was found guilty of racial abuse by Sheriff Derrick McIntyre.

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said afterwards: "The club are delighted it's all over and we are ready to move on to the next season and look forward to people concentrating on the football again."

Ms McDonald welcomed the verdict and said the SFA must now speak to McIntosh about the abuse.

The SFA said there was insufficient evidence to uphold the complaint at the time and that they were happy with their decision.

McIntosh's lawyer, Steven Mannifield, said his client did not want to make any comment.