Club removed from league after 'disgraceful' taunts over teen's death

An amateur football club has been removed from its league after “disgraceful” comments taunting rivals over a teenager’s death were posted to social media.

Sunday Central Amateur Football League confirmed on Thursday that Kirkintilloch Harp will no longer be allowed to compete in their competition.

It comes after a club representative posted a live video to Instagram following their 3-2 win over Bonomy FC last month.

Bonomy were formed in East Kilbride by friends of 18-year-old Alex Lindsay after he died in 2018 and comments reportedly mocking the death could be heard in the background of the clip.

Following an investigation by the league, the East Dunbartonshire side have now been expelled.

In a statement, the Sunday Central AFL also warned clubs over social media misuse and told them it was their responsibility.

The statement released on Facebook said: “We can confirm that after an appeal that Kirkintilloch Harp have been removed from the league.

“The responsibility of social media posts remain with all clubs and those immediately associated with them.”

Bonomy FC had earlier hit out at the comments, saying: “With regards to last nights event’s, on behalf of everyone at the club we are absolutely lost for words with what we have witnessed on social media.

“A game of football has spilled over to disgraceful comments on the passing of our close friend Alex.

“Our dealings with Kirkintilloch Harp has completely escalated to the point where we are having to make a statement on the matters as this is a situation that’s needs to be taken very seriously.

“Bonomy FC was formed and continues to raise awareness for mental health, numerous tournaments and fundraisers have been made since we started as a club to support charities that mean the most to us like Adored – SCIO.

“We pride ourselves on these values and will keep doing our bit as a club to contribute.

“We hope Kirkintilloch can learn from the comments which were made last night, learn to not comment on a situation which they aren’t educated on because look at the impact it can have on not only yourself but everyone around you.

“Mental health has never and won’t ever be a joke, never mind when it’s came from a group of lads competing for 90 minutes on a Sunday afternoon.”