Hearts striker criticised for '˜blacking up' on Christmas night out

Cole Stockton (left) battles for possession with Hamilton's Georgios Sarris during the 1-1 draw at Tynecastle. Picture: SNS

Hearts striker Cole Stockton has been criticised by fans on social media after deciding to '˜black up' for the players' Christmas night out.

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The 23-year-old, who arrived in the summer on a free transfer from Tranmere, went to the party as Mr T’s character from the A-Team, BA Barracas, complete with brown make-up on his skin.

A picture of Stockton in costume found its way online after team-mate Ross Callachan posted one on his Instagram feed, even tagging Stockton so there was no doubt as to who was behind the make-up.

This caused offence among some fans on social media, who accused Stockton of being racially insensitive.

One Twitter user wrote: “Seen a lot of folk defending Stockton, **** that. If you don’t knew what’s wrong with blacking up then you’re being wilfully ignorant. At the least the club should suspend him.”

When pointed out by a fellow Twitter user that Hearts players of African descent, such as Arnaud Djoum, Prince Buaben or Esmael Goncalves, would likely have been in attendance, he wrote: “You may well be right on that one, I would assume so. I don’t actually think Stockton is a racist but there are wider societal problems with blacking up that go further than not offending the people in your immediate vicinity.”

A spokesman for Hearts told the Scottish Sun: “It was an ill-judged outfit but wasn’t meant to cause offence. If it has then Cole and the club apologise profusely.”