David Cox walked out of Albion Rovers’ away match at Ochilview after claiming to have been verbally abused by Stenhousemuir player Jonathan Tiffoney.
The defender has issued a statement refuting the allegations as “simply untrue” and pledged to fully co-operate with an investigation into the incident after the home side forwarded allegations from both players to the Scottish football association’s compliance officer. The club said Tiffoney would take a leave of absence until the matter was concluded.
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Hide AdThe Warriors’ update said: “We have asked the Scottish FA Compliance Officer to investigate the incident that happened last night during our game against Albion Rovers, and the SPFL has been informed. Serious allegations have been made and they must be fully and robustly investigated. Following discussions with the Stenhousemuir player involved, he will take a leave of absence until the investigation is concluded.”
The club spoke to both players involved in the aftermath of the match, which Rovers won 1-0, and said “Both players are making claims of serious and wholly inappropriate comments being made during the game that have implications for player well-being and mental health.
“Whilst we accept that things can get said during a game, we believe the allegations are sufficiently serious enough to merit a more detailed investigation.”
Cox, a substitute at the time, announced his retirement from the game after walking out of the League Two ground midway through the match saying he had suffered abuse over his mental health.
Through his lawyer, Tiffoney denied the claims and said he was subjected to abuse himself during the game.
He said: “Media reports have indicated that I abused David Cox by referencing and attacking his mental health during last night‘s football match between Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers.
“This is simply untrue. Throughout the first half of the game, I was subjected to abuse and disparaging comments from the Albion Rovers dug out. I did not react to these.
“David Cox, who was a substitute and not playing, was booked by the referee for entering the pitch and abusing me.
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Hide Ad“I did not abuse him. His abuse of me took place in front of the linesman. Had I made the comment, which it has been said that I made, then It is inconceivable that it would have not been heard by the linesman.
“Having been personally subjected to disparaging and hurtful remarks as a player for many years, I condemn any such practice.
“I would never attack another player’s mental health or well-being and will fully cooperate with the Scottish FA investigation into this matter.”
Cox’s club, Albion Rovers said: "The health, safety and well-being of everyone associated with Albion Rovers is of paramount importance to us. Football is a place for all and we believe is should be enjoyed without fear, favour or prejudice.
"We are aware of an alleged incident that occurred during this evening's match and have been in touch with David Cox to offer our unconditional backing and support."