Partners get together with Football Clubs to highlight hate crime message to fans

Issued by Police Scotland - Highland and Islands Division

Police Scotland is building on the message launched earlier this year, together with partners, that there is no room for racist abuse in the Highlands and Islands.

The Highland and Islands Division has given a supply of  napkins highlighting Hate Crime, to both Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Football Clubs, for distribution at their concessionary food stands in an effort to highlight this message to fans.

Superintendent Angus MacPherson said, "We have an excellent relationship with the clubs and see this as an opportunity to work together to get this important message out to a large number of people  attending our football matches both from the local area and across Scotland. Abusing people because they are different to you, whether in colour, culture or creed, is a hate crime and there is no room for such behaviour in our society , thankfully such crimes are relatively rare across the Highlands and Islands, however there is no room for complacency and I am grateful to both clubs for their support in highlighting the issue ."

The campaign is endorsed by Samantha Skinner, Events Manager for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who said, "Together with our friends at Ross County FC we are happy to support Police Scotland in tackling racism, which has no place in football or society"

Ranald Gilbert General Manager for Ross County FC says,  "As a Club we're delighted to be able to support  Police Scotland in their efforts to draw attention to this area. I think everyone knows what an integral part of the matchday experience their pie and Bovril is for football fans, and with our supporters travelling from across the Highlands and Islands and beyond, this is a fantastic way to help spread the message amongst the community."

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