FOOTBALL clubs in Renfrewshire have shown the red card to racist and discriminatory abuse online by supporting a nationwide social media boycott.

Premiership outfit St Mirren were joined by the likes of West of Scotland Football League clubs Johnstone Burgh and Renfrew as they logged out of all social media platforms between 3pm on Friday and 11:59pm on Monday night.

The #FootballUnites movement was launched as a result of ugly abuse aimed at players, staff and others associated with the beautiful game on the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

It is hoped the boycott will encourage those in charge of such platforms to do more to tackle online hate.

A spokesperson for Burgh gave a commitment to “make a stand against racist and discriminatory abuse online.”

St Mirren usually post live updates from their matches on Twitter.
However, for Saturday’s showdown with Hamilton Academical, the club instead used its own website to provide a digital commentary.

It was a disappointing afternoon for the Buddies as they lost 2-1 at home to Accies, who are battling relegation.

Ross Callachan and David Moyo both scored as the Lanarkshire team established a 2-0 lead by the hour mark.

Jamie McGrath pulled one back for Saints with 20 minutes to go but it was too little, too late, as the Paisley troops suffered a blow in their bid to secure seventh place in the Premiership.

Buddies boss Jim Goodwin had handed on-loan Rangers youngster Daniel Finlayson a chance to impress, with midfielder Cammy MacPherson and striker Collin Quaner also brought into the starting line-up.

However, he admitted his team’s performance was not up to scratch – and is hoping for a much-improved display in this Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final with St Johnstone.

Goodwin said: “I gave opportunities to one or two who had been champing at the bit to start but they haven’t done themselves justice or given me a headache for next week.

“The players have been fantastic and we won’t be too hard on them. We’ll reiterate we can’t play at 60 per cent because, if you do, you get beat.

“If we don’t play at full tilt against St Johnstone, we won’t get the result.”