KILMARNOCK, Scotland (AP) – Alex Dyer, the coach of the Kilmarnock football team in the Scottish Premier League, was the target of a racist letter to the club on Monday.
Kilmarnock said he “totally condemns” the letter containing abuses addressed to Dyer, who has become the league’s only black coach when he was appointed this summer.
“We are running with the Scottish Police to identify anyone involved in this disgusting act and will continue to take the most powerful action imaginable against them,” the club said in a statement. “Racism in any form is absolutely unacceptable and will have to be denounced anytime, anywhere. “
Kilmarnock’s players and coaches have knelt before each and every match this season “and we will continue to do so,” the club said.
Eighth in the 12-team Premiership, Kilmarnock has lost consecutive matches and is expected to play at Motherwell on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old Englishman signed a two-year contract this summer after serving as interim coach for much of the season.
Last month, Dyer was included in the “Blacklist of Football”, which recognizes the positive influences on the black community’s game.
Black athletes, along with Crystal Palace player Wilfried Zaha, say they are regular victims of online racial abuse. Ryan Sessegnon, on loan to German club Hoffenheim of Tottenham, revealed last month that he had also been targeted.
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