Police launch YouTube sectarian abuse probe

Published on Saturday 1 March 2008 18:37

POLICE yesterday confirmed that they are investigating claims of sectarian abuse directed at Celtic footballer Aiden McGeady on the YouTube website.

The posting followed Celtic's Scottish Premier League match against St Mirren in Paisley last Sunday.

Glasgow-born McGeady, 21, has been a target of abuse after deciding to play for Ireland at international level instead of Scotland.

On the posting, McGeady is seen stopping to sign autographs for supporters as Celtic players make their way to the team bus. One bystander is heard to ask: "Whereabouts in Ireland is Castlemilk?"

And as the player gets into the bus, a shout of "F**k off, you micky b*****d" can be heard coming from the group.

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said an investigation was under way.

Willie Bell, of the St Mirren Independent Supporters Association, hit out at the "one idiot" who had tarnished the good name of the club.

"It's a shocking incident and totally unacceptable," he said. "There is no place for this type of thing at Love Street. I hope whoever is responsible is identified and dealt with by the authorities."

The YouTube footage has been viewed more than 400 times.

A spokesman for anti-bigotry organisation Nil By Mouth said: "This incident reminds us that sectarian behaviour is not exclusive to the Old Firm clubs and affects the whole of Scottish football."