ST MIRREN chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has vowed to ban the yob who brought shame on Scottish football by hurling a coin at Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

The Buddies have been liaising with police over the incident, which took place near the end of Saturday’s live TV match.

Fitzpatrick has made it clear the culprit is not welcome in any football stadium.

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And he also called for more to be done to tackle the societal problems which lead to such anti-social behaviour.

As he launched his autobiography, Fitzy: The Story of My Life, he said: “It’s very difficult for the youth of today. I’d hate to be young growing up just now.

“I worked for nine years with young disengaged boys and girls who don’t see hope in life.

“What happens is, if they’re not getting love and support and care in their households, they turn to gangs and get their security from there.

“They see themselves as part of a family, going to concerts and football games, so it’s not just football and we need to start looking at it and asking why it’s happening.

The Gazette:

Rangers' Alfredo Morelos was struck by a coin from the North Stand

“For a while it was under control, so we need to ask what service we’re doing for our young people.”

Fitzpatrick also insisted it is difficult to completely stamp out coin-throwing incidents at football matches.

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He said: “Steven Gerrard called for whoever did it to be banned and I agree. We will do all we can.

“I’m sure, with CCTV and all the things we’ve got these days, we should be able to identify the person and, as soon as we do, he or she will be banned."