Darvel Football Club have issued an apology to East Ayrshire rivals Auchinleck Talbot following an apparent racist incident during a match between the two sides
The incident is said to have involved a young Darvel fan in a recent match between the clubs at Recreation Park.
Precise details of the incident have not been disclosed by the home club, but a Darvel spokesperson said the club had issued an apology to their Talbot counterparts.
Talbot's most recent visit to Darvel came on May 6, when Tommy Sloan's men ran out 5-0 winners.
The two clubs both put their names to a joint statement issued by Darvel stating that "violence, racism, and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated".
A club spokesperson said: "Racism in any form will not be tolerated.
"Both Auchinleck Talbot and Darvel Football Club stand together in this.
"At the recent game at Recreation Park there was an incident involving one of our younger supporters.
"It has been identified and discussed with them.
"We will be monitoring their behaviour at all home or away games for the remainder of this season and next.
"Any repeat of this will result in an immediate banning order at the ground."
Darvel v Auchinleck Talbot. (Image: Craig McGhee)
They added: "We have apologised to Auchinleck Talbot, and we do so again, and in particular to the player in question.
"Both clubs would like to remind everyone that, while local rivalry between clubs keeps the passion for the game, there is a line that should not be crossed. Ever.
"Violence, racism, and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated at Darvel Football Club or Auchinleck Talbot Football Club and we thank both clubs for coming together and agreeing that football does not need these supporters or those views.
"At each of our home games during season 2024/25 both clubs will Show Racism the Red Card."
Talbot shared Darvel's statement on their own social media pages but have not commented directly themselves.
The episode is the latest in a turbulent end to Darvel's season, with the club having parted company with manager Tony McInally less than a week after the former Cumnock, Pollok and Shotts boss guided the East Ayrshire side to West of Scotland Football League Cup glory.
They have since announced that ex Ashfield manager Michael Oliver will take over in the hot-seat for 2024-25.
With McInally's assistant David Winters in temporary charge, Darvel bring down the curtain on their 2023-24 season with the Scottish Junior Cup final against Arthurlie at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld this Sunday, June 2.
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