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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Falkirk apologise to Brian Rice after alleged abuse from fans over gambling addiction

Falkirk have apologised to Brian Rice after alleged abuse aimed at the Alloa Athletic boss.

The club confirmed chiefs are aware of the alleged taunts at Rice during the 1-0 win on Saturday.

Rice had opened up on the alleged abuse after the match referencing a Falkirk supporter "shouting about my betting in the stand".

The experienced manager previously reported himself to the SFA over his gambling addiction and was banned for 10 matches after admitting breaches.

Rice, 59, played over 100 times for Falkirk during his playing career but faced alleged taunts from a supporter of the club he calls his own.

Falkirk have appealed to fans to provide any information to identify the person responsible for the alleged abuse.

A club statement read: "Falkirk Football Club can confirm we are aware of alleged abuse directed towards Alloa Athletic Manager Brian Rice from a Falkirk fan during Saturday’s cinch League One fixture.

"Falkirk Football Club would like to formally apologise to Brian and have reached out to him personally to convey our regret over this matter.

"We would ask any supporters who may have witnessed the alleged abuse directed towards Brian to get in contact with Supporter Liaison Officer, Kevin Beattie, via email at slo@falkirkfc.co.uk. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the football club has a zero-tolerance policy against abusive language or conduct.

"The club would like to highlight the high regard in which the vast majority of Falkirk fans hold Brian Rice and we would also like to thank him for many years of service, as both a player and member of the coaching staff at Falkirk Football Club."

After the 1-0 defeat, Rice told Alloa club media: “I’ll take the positives and there were plenty positives - apart from the guy shouting about my betting in the stand. I was really, really disappointed about that. A Falkirk supporter. It’s sad to hear and I’m disappointed because Falkirk’s my club.

“For a Falkirk supporter to shout that at me. I’m really, really disappointed and I hope he hangs his head in shame. It doesn’t spoil it for them - it spoils it for me. It really spoiled it for me. He’s absolutely ruined my weekend and I hope it never happens to his family.”

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