St Johnstone player Diallang Jaiyesimi targeted by 'appalling' racist abuse during Rangers loss

Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone said they are “appalled” after one of their players was the target of a racist social media post during a match against Rangers.

Diallang Jaiyesimi was sent off following a tackle on John Lundstram in the 2-0 defeat at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The English midfielder, who is loan from Charlton, was then the subject of a post using racist language on X, formerly Twitter.

The club said it had contacted Police Scotland.

We are aware of a racist tweet circulating that was aimed at Diallang Jaiyesimi tonight.

We firmly stand with DJ in this matter and are appalled that this unacceptable behaviour still exists in 2023.

We will pass this onto Police Scotland to investigate.

Say no to racism 💙 pic.twitter.com/4Vhey8v2wC
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) December 20, 2023

The post was deleted but screenshots have been shared across social media.

In a statement after the game St Johnstone condemned the abuse.

“We are aware of a racist tweet circulating that was aimed at Diallang Jaiyesimi tonight,” a spokesperson said.

“We firmly stand with DJ in this matter and are appalled that this unacceptable behaviour still exists in 2023.

“We will pass this onto Police Scotland to investigate.”

As of Thursday morning the account that posted the abuse is no longer active.

PFA Scotland said in a statement: “Once again, the union finds itself having to comment on the awful racist abuse of a player online. It is a criminal offence to abuse someone because of their race and Diallang has our full support.

“These are hate crimes and cowardly acts perpetrated by individuals who hide behind their online handle and we are sure the authorities will make sure these individuals are brought to justice.

“Unfortunately, this type of abusive behaviour is becoming more common, and PFA Scotland has been working with other sports unions via the Professional Players Federation to lobby the UK Government to ensure the new Online Safety Act fulfils the commitments to effectively protect not only sports players and athletes but the public from this scourge.”