East Stirlingshire have condemned the alleged racist abuse that Jordan Tapping suffered during their 4-0 defeat to Peterhead at Balmoor on Saturday.

The 17-year-old had to be substituted in the second half during the sides' Scottish League Two fixture.

"Jordan was visibly upset and great credit is due to his teammates and our coaching staff for dealing with the situation at the time it happened," club secretary Tadek Kopszywa told the Falkirk-based outfit's official website. "I have spoken him myself and Jordan knows that everyone at the club from the chairman down is there to support him and offer our utmost help and assistance in dealing with this.

"If any young idiots who go to football matches and think that making racist comments is just a bit of fun, then they might care to consider the emotional impact this has had on a 17-year-old school kid who is trying to make his way in football, before they open their mouths.

"Our players and coaches who had to handle the immediate impact of what happened did so brilliantly and they are a credit to our club and everyone with the Shire at heart owes them thanks for their responsible actions."

The police has launched a criminal investigation into the matter.