Hamilton chairman issues warning over vile abuse at New Douglas Park

Hamilton Accies chairman Allan Maitland has told fans that there will be no tolerance of unacceptable behaviour at the club after supporters directed “vile, abusive comments” at club staff.

Accies manager John Rankin complained about derogatory comments directed at his family during the team’s play-off semi-final against Alloa on Saturday.

Hamilton fought back from 3-0 down on aggregate to win 5-3 and set up a final showdown with Airdrie. Ahead of that two-legged decider that will decide if Accies remain in the Championship or suffer relegation, the club chairman issued a statement warning fans to be careful of their behaviour.

“In my role as the chairman of the club, I feel the highs and lows of all Accies supporters and fully understand the frustrations of the last few seasons when we haven’t reached the standards expected from our club,” said Maitland.

“I also understand the need on occasions to vent that frustration – however there is a line where the expression of that frustration becomes intolerable and totally unacceptable, and we reached that on Saturday afternoon.

“Several supporters shouted vile abusive comments to our management team and directors that were disgusting and unacceptable in any environment at any time, never mind a football match where families and young kids are present.

“We are working to identify those responsible for this hate crime and these so-called supporters will receive the banning order they deserve from all football matches.

“I have consistently tried to engage with unhappy supporters, even in difficult times, to listen to their concerns and provide a balanced and fair view whenever possible but there is now a section of fans who are no longer worthy of any exchange of views.

“We all feel the passion of being a supporter and have experienced days when you understandably express your frustrations or disappointment towards players, management, and directors when things are going horribly wrong but there must be a control mechanism in place to stop that from crossing the line of acceptability.

“If you personally are unable to control that emotion or feel the need to be overtly abusive, then please don’t come to the games – you’re not welcome.”