Scottish football faces 'systemic racism' problem as judge rules SPFL player was victimised by his own club

The victimisation of a Scottish footballer by his own club shows there is still a problem with "systemic racism" in the game, it has been claimed by the brother of a player who was was victimised by his own club.

Rico Quitongo, who now plays for League One side Annan Athletic, has won an appeal case amid his long-running legal fight against Championship side Airdrieonians. The left-back, who is the son of former Hearts and Hamilton cult hero Jose Quitongo, claimed in September 2021 that he was racially abused by a Diamonds fan during a 0-0 draw against Queen's Park in September, but the New Broomfield club dropped an investigation into the allegation the following month - saying that there was "insufficient evidence"

In November 2022 a panel in Glasgow dismissed his claims of racial harassment and victimisation relating to the club's handling of the complaint, a decision appealed by Quitongo - with judge, Lord Douglas Fairley, ruling that the employment tribunal made mistakes in its judgement. It says that the Lanarkshire club committed an "act of victimisation" by cutting off communication with Quitongo's agent after he had contacted manager Ian Murray expressing concerns over the handling of the situation.

Now Mr Quitongo's brother Jai, also a professional footballer who played for sides including Greenock Morton and Queen's Park, says it shows that there are wider issues in the game. Posting on social media site X following the verdict, Jai said: "After a tough 2/3 years my brother and our family has had to endure, finally the truth has came to light.

"This just goes to show that there is still systemic racism in football/in life whether we like to admit it or not. My brother had the courage to fight for what is