Teenage footballer arrested over ‘sectarian’ Old Firm tweets

A 17-year-old footballer has been arrested over alleged sectarian comments posted on a social networking site during this week’s Old Firm match.

Michael Fleming, who plays for Cowdenbeath under-19s, allegedly wrote a number of comments on Twitter during the match on Wednesday.

The player subsequently posted an apology and his @MeekFleming profile has now been deleted.

Cowdenbeath FC said the comments were “unacceptable” and that the player has been disciplined.

A club statement said: “He is aware that his conduct is not acceptable. He has apologised unreservedly for his conduct.

“Cowdenbeath Football Club does not condone and will not tolerate any form of sectarianism.

“The club will remind everyone connected with it that sectarianism in any form is not acceptable.”

A spokeswoman for Fife Constabulary said: “A 17-year-old man has been arrested in relation to alleged sectarian comments made over a social media website.

“A report in relation to this will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”