The Scottish Premier League could be forced into an investigation on two fronts following Motherwell's match against Hearts at Fir Park.
It is understood the SPL will learn that two match officials claimed that Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston may have been subject to racial abuse during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match which the Tynecastle side won 2-0.
It is also understood that the SPL will be asked to look at tapes of the match to determine whether Hearts fans, while singing the 'Billy Boys' song, included the line, "We're up to our knees in Fenian blood".
The SPL have created a new offence of unacceptable conduct at their matches which covers violence and disorder generally and sectarian conduct in particular.
These regulations were developed with reference to FIFA and UEFA regulations, discrimination law - racial and religious - and football banning orders.
Motherwell announced they conducted an immediate inquiry into suggestions that fans had engaged in racial taunting or chanting.
A club spokesman said: "We would like to make it absolutely clear that this club does not tolerate any form of bigotry, racism or discriminatory behaviour by supporters.
"It appears a match official mentioned to a police officer that he may have heard something untoward from someone in the crowd at Monday's match but could not be sure.
"The police looked into the matter and have confirmed they are not investigating.
"We have also spoken to Hearts who are making no complaint.
"This club will not hesitate to take action against anyone behaving inappropriately at Fir Park and supporters should not engage in any behaviour that can cause offence or be interpreted as being offensive."
After the match Hearts coach Stephen Frail said: "I never heard any racial abuse from anyone.
"We would like to stamp that out but from where I was standing I have not heard anything."
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police's North Lanarkshire division stressed that match officials did not demand action be taken during or after the Fir Park game, and there were no public objections.
"There has been no official complaint of racism and therefore there is no action planned," the spokesman said.
It is also understood that the SPL will be asked to look at tapes of the match to determine whether Hearts fans, while singing the 'Billy Boys' song, included the line, "We're up to our knees in Fenian blood".
The SPL have created a new offence of unacceptable conduct at their matches which covers violence and disorder generally and sectarian conduct in particular.
These regulations were developed with reference to FIFA and UEFA regulations, discrimination law - racial and religious - and football banning orders.
Motherwell announced they conducted an immediate inquiry into suggestions that fans had engaged in racial taunting or chanting.
A club spokesman said: "We would like to make it absolutely clear that this club does not tolerate any form of bigotry, racism or discriminatory behaviour by supporters.
"It appears a match official mentioned to a police officer that he may have heard something untoward from someone in the crowd at Monday's match but could not be sure.
"The police looked into the matter and have confirmed they are not investigating.
"We have also spoken to Hearts who are making no complaint.
"This club will not hesitate to take action against anyone behaving inappropriately at Fir Park and supporters should not engage in any behaviour that can cause offence or be interpreted as being offensive."
After the match Hearts coach Stephen Frail said: "I never heard any racial abuse from anyone.
"We would like to stamp that out but from where I was standing I have not heard anything."
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police's North Lanarkshire division stressed that match officials did not demand action be taken during or after the Fir Park game, and there were no public objections.
"There has been no official complaint of racism and therefore there is no action planned," the spokesman said.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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