Motherwell fans slammed by LGBT rights groups after displaying ‘obscene, homophobic’ banner at Hamilton match
The banner depicted a Hamilton fan performing a sex act on a Lincoln City fan in an attempt to poke fun at the relationship between the two clubs
MOTHERWELL fans have been slammed by LGBT rights groups after displaying an "obscene, homophobic" banner at their derby match with Hamilton.
The banner showed an Accies supporter performing a 'sex act' on a Lincoln City fan, in an attempt to poke fun at the relationship between the two clubs.
It's understood a group regularly come up from Lincoln for matches, and were present at Saturday's Lanarkshire derby.
Police Scotland have confirmed a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the display.
LGBT charity Equality Network said on Facebook: "We’re very disturbed by reports that this obscene and deeply homophobic banner was displayed at the MotherwellFC v Hamilton Accies match yesterday.
"We’ll make contact with both clubs who are signatories to the Scottish LGBT Sports Charter to understand the facts and what action needs to be taken.
"Homophobia in Scottish football is completely unacceptable."
And LEAP Sports Scotland posted a similar message saying: "Things are getting better they say. This obscene banner at @MotherwellFC v @acciesfc yesterday suggests otherwise. We'll be in touch directly with the clubs about this. Time to step up #fvh2019."
Some footie fans moved to condemn the display.
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Devyn Coates said: "Absolutely disgusting, the fans who brought it should be banned for that homophobic and inappropriate banner."
Louise Athwal said: "Of course it’s homophobic. The implication is that a man sucking d*** is something to be embarrassed about. That’s deeply homophobic and unacceptable."
Nina Muir added: "It's obscene. There's kids at football games. Ffs."
But a number defended the fans' actions and denied it was intended as a homophobic gesture.
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Joe Wemyss said: "Sad day when some youngster is going to be convicted for this, it is only banter between fans at a local derby. There is no homophobic intent at all."
Ross Irvine added: "Typical easily offended crew looking for anything to jump on when they don't even understand what it meant."
A spokesman for Motherwell Football Club said: “We are aware of reports of a banner being displayed. As this is currently a Police Scotland matter, we are assisting them with their inquiries.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged. He was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date."
The Steelmen won the game 3-0 thanks to a double from David Turnbull, added to by Jake Hastie.
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