Edinburgh cricket game abandoned after "racist and homophobic" abuse from football fans

It allegedly happened near Murrayfield Stadium before Rangers and Man Utd played in a friendly

Murrayfield Stadium
Author: Paul ReillyPublished 22nd Jul 2024
Last updated 22nd Jul 2024

It's claimed Edinburgh cricket players suffered a combination of "racist, homophobic and sexist" abuse from football fans near Murrayfield Stadium, ahead of the Rangers and Manchester United friendly.

Murrayfield DAFS Cricket Club said their match with Stewart's Melville Cricket Club at Roseburn Park on Saturday was later abandoned.

It's also claimed two cricket players were assaulted.

On X, formally Twitter, Murrayfield DAFS said: "Very upset that our 4th team had to abandon their game today due a combination of sexist, homophobic and racist abuse at Roseburn Park outside Murrayfield Stadium today against Stewart's Melville Cricket Club.

"Not only that, there were two instances of physical assault that were perpetrated on players. The perpetrators of said abuse were fans of football clubs playing a friendly at Murrayfield Stadium - and police were standing 50 yards away."

"Police did nothing"

The statement goes on to claim that Police Scotland officers did "nothing" to stop or prevent the events from taking place.

The club has said it is now drafting a complaint to Police Scotland and other relevant authorities.

Stewart’s Melville Cricket Club also issued a statement saying "We commend all players on both sides for the manner in which they dealt with an unacceptable situation. We will assist Murrayfield."

The force has confirmed it is investigating the allegations.

A spokesperson said: "Officers are carrying out inquiries after reports of abuse being directed towards players during a cricket match at Roseburn Park, Edinburgh on Saturday, 20 July 2024."

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.