Nairn County manager Ronnie Sharp has branded the supporters who allegedly spat on his players on Wednesday as “classless”.
Nairn County players claim they were on the receiving end during the Breedon Highland League Cup first-round tie against Deveronvale at Princess Royal Park.
Midfielder Gregg Main, who was sent off after the game for making a gesture as he walked off the pitch at full-time, was one of the alleged victims while Nairn claim other players, including goalkeeper Dylan Maclean and forward Dylan Mackenzie, were also victims.
County manager Sharp said: “I find it completely classless and there is no room for it in football. Our goalkeeper was spat on in the second half and three or four other players say there were spat on by spectators when they were down that end, including Gregg Main, who was spat on in the face.”
County chairman Donald Mathieson made Vale officials aware of the incidents following the game.
He said: “I spoke to Deveronvale secretary Stewart McPherson and it’s not good.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my 11 years in the Highland League.
“It detracted from what should have been a great win for the team in the most difficult of circumstances given we were down to nine men.”
Goalkeeper Maclean said: “When I was taking a goal kick I heard a spitting sound from behind me and when I turned around I saw it on the back of my sock.
“Gregg was also caught up in a similar situation and said somebody spat in his face.”
Main, whose penalty in extra time was enough to give nine-man Nairn a 2-1 victory, said: “I’ll never forget his face as long as I live. When I scored the penalty I ran to the corner knowing the rest of the lads would follow me. I was trying to waste a bit of time.
“I saw the man spit at me and it landed on my chin before dribbling down on to the club badge on my shirt.
“I shouted towards the Vale supporters in that area at full-time and the assistant referee told me he would be reporting me.
“I didn’t swear, but it was stupid on my part. I wasn’t just going to stand there and take it after being spat on though.”
Highland League officials are aware of the situation and secretary Rod Houston said: “We haven’t had a complaint, but we regularly monitor crowd behaviour as we aspire for best behaviour from supporters in all matches.”
Officials from Highland League club Deveronvale failed to respond to requests for comment last night.