IRVINE Victoria say they stand behind their player Chris Jackson following allegations of racial abuse during the Westenders' match against Port Glasgow on Saturday.
The aftermath of the weekend game was marred by a claim from defender Jackson that he heard racist language coming from fans and players of the home side.
Posting on social media after the 3-1 win for his team, Jackson said: "Played football a long time but the amount of racial abuse from fans and players today was shocking and embarrassing for a club, not going to mention who they are but that's two weeks in a row and at the level we play at is not on."
A statement from Irvine Victoria on Sunday afternoon said the club stands behind the player and "strongly [condemn] any forms of racism and all forms of discrimination".
The post added: "After two weeks of racism allegations and incidents that have no place in football.
"We do thank Lanark United for their swift action on October 28."
Port Glasgow said they would welcome a full investigation into the matter - but stated that they believe the allegations to be "false and without foundation".
A statement published on Sunday night read: "Port Glasgow Junior Football Club are aware of the allegations made against the club of alleged racist incidents taking place in our match yesterday at home to Irvine Victoria.
"Port Glasgow Junior Football Club take any allegation of racist behaviour extremely seriously, the club do not condone any form of racist behaviour.
"The club welcomes and will fully support any investigation into these alleged incidents, however, we will robustly defend our player and fans as we believe these allegations to be false and without foundation.
"The club will make no further comment on this until these allegations have been investigated fully."
The Westenders won the WoSFL Division Three match 3-1 at Parklea Community Stadium thanks to a double from Alessandro Savarese and a Ewan Farrell strike.
The victory moved the Irvine side up to fifth in the league table with four games in hand over leaders Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here