Raith Rovers give backing to social media blackout

Clubs across Scotland will join the Scottish FA, SPFL Scottish Women’s Football, and PFA Scotland in “going silent” on social media from 3pm on Friday April 30 until 11.59pm on Monday May 3.

And Raith have also issued a plea to fans to stay away from Stark’s Park tomorrow night.

Teams have been invited to include the racism campaign hashtag #FootballUnites if they issue any limited updates during the window.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “The online abuse received by some of those involved in our game is absolutely abhorrent.

"The SPFL is committed to ensuring that Scottish football is inclusive and welcoming to all.

"Players and supporters from diverse backgrounds have played, and continue to play, an enormously positive and valued role in our game.

"Diversity is part of what makes Scottish football what it is, it should be protected and championed.

“As a society, we all have a responsibility to stamp out abusive behaviour and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy football in this country without fear of receiving hate-filled messages online.

“Social media provides a wonderful platform for clubs of all sizes to communicate with their fans but it is also a medium that is being abused by a vile and mindless minority.

These cowards often hide behind anonymous accounts and it is incumbent upon social media companies to actively and aggressively combat this problem.

“The SPFL will continue to work with our member clubs and partners to drive home the message that there’s no place in our game for discrimination of any kind.”

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell added: “The Scottish FA is proud to play our part in supporting the social media boycott.

“Through the work of our Equality and Diversity Board we have set up Football Unites, an equality framework that underlines our commitment to fairness, justice, respect, inclusion and the removal of barriers.

“We are also in dialogue with social media companies to ensure adequate preventative measures are put in place to tackle the specific issue of online abuse.”

Raith have asked the Stark’s Park faithful not to congregate at the Pratt Street stadium tomorrow night should the team secure second spot in the Championship.

Rovers will play champions Hearts with a just a point separating them from third place Dundee who travel to play Queen of the South.

The match is to be broadcast live on BBC Scotalnd and win, lose or draw, John McGlynn’s side could take the runners-up place in the table.

But the club issued a tweet asking supporters not to celebrate at the ground if they do so.

It reads: “Please adhere closely to current guidelines and do not, under any circumstances, gather around Stark's Park.

"Stay home and stay safe.”