Rico Quitongo backed by EHRC in discrimination claim against Airdrie

The equality and human rights commission is supporting Rico Quitongo in a landmark race discrimination claim against his former club, Airdrieonians. An employment tribunal hearing is expected to take place in the coming months, in what marks the EHRC’s first case in Scotland since their setting up of a race discrimination fund in late 2021.

Quitongo claims he was the victim of racial harassment and victimisation after an alleged case of racist abuse from one of club’s supporters at a League One game against Queen’s Park last September.

In a statement issued the following month, the club said: “Airdrieonians FC has conducted a thorough investigation into the alleged racist remark towards our player Rico Quitongo and have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to take further action.”

Quitongo, a 22-year-old defender, was released from his contract in January and subsequently joined Peterhead.

A statement issued by EHRC and PFA Scotland said: “The claim follows an alleged incident of racism against Mr Quitongo by a supporter during a match in September 2021, and arises from the way the issue was subsequently handled by Airdrieonians FC.”

Lynn Welsh, head of legal and compliance at the EHRC in Scotland, said: “There is no place for racism in football, or any other part of our society. As the equality regulator for Great Britain, the EHRC are pleased to support this case through our race discrimination fund. Every employer should understand their responsibilities, and what the consequences are for not following the law.

“As both employers, and as part of their wider community, football clubs have an important role to play in tackling discrimination. That starts with their duty to protect their employees, including the