East Stirlingshire have said that Jordan Tapping suffered "extreme distress" after being allegedly racially abused by a group of Peterhead supporters.
The 17-year-old was the subject of the abuse during the sides' Scottish League Two match at Balmoor on Saturday that hosts Peterhead won 4-0.
"East Stirlingshire Football Club is aware of alleged incidents which occurred at yesterday's SPFL Scottish League Two match at Peterhead at which our player Jordan Tapping complained of being subjected to racist abuse," read a statement on the club's official website.
"The club can confirm that this alleged incident caused extreme distress to our player and this led to our coaching staff substituting the player from the field of play. We have spoken to the match referee who has confirmed that these alleged incidents will form part of his official report to the Scottish FA.
"Peterhead FC took immediate steps and Jordan received a personal apology from their chairman, Rodger Morrison. East Stirlingshire FC will lend every assistance possible to Peterhead FC and Police Scotland in trying to pick out those responsible.
"Furthermore, the club will be contacting the SFA and the Scottish Professional Football League to highlight what has happened and to urge them to take whatever steps are necessary under their rules to deal with the matter. Above all, though, the club has offered its complete support to Jordan and his family after what has been a very distressing episode."
Police Scotland has confirmed that a criminal enquiry has been launched into the matter.
"Racial abuse in any form is not only completely unacceptable, it is also criminal," said a police spokesperson.
"We will be liaising closely with both football clubs to thoroughly investigate this incident which, at this time, would appear to have involved a small minority of people.
"We ask any supporters who saw or heard anything of a racist nature to get in touch with Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101."
Peterhead are currently at the top of the league table, while East Stirling are fifth.
Subhankar Mondal
