Falkirk FC: Boss John McGlynn hits out at fan's vile verbal abuse of Alloa Athletic manager Brian Rice

During last Saturday’s League One match, which Falkirk won 1-0 thanks to Callumn Morrison strike, the home supporter launched his main stand tirade against Rice - who made over 100 playing appearances in midfield for Falkirk between 1991 and 1995 – leading to Falkirk FC issuing an apology, asking for witnesses to contact the Falkirk Stadium and stressing the club’s ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against abusive language or conduct.

“Absolutely, there is no place for something like that,” McGlynn told the Falkirk Herald. “Jamie Swinney, our CEO, asked me to text him Brian Rice’s number early on Sunday morning and he spoke with Brian, apologised and the club have made a statement.

"I have apologised to Brian, it’s not right, that shouldn’t be happening.

"Unfortunately fans think that if they pay their money and come in they can say anything.

"Things are changing. Players can’t speak to their fellow players, saying certain things to them.

"They might be in the other team but if you say the wrong thing, it’s brought up and you’re found guilty, you can get a 10-game ban.

"Things have moved on and everyone’s got to be very careful now.”

In the wake of the alleged verbal abuse of Rice, a Falkirk FC statement read: “Falkirk Football Club can confirm we are aware of alleged abuse directed towards Alloa Athletic Manager Brian Rice from a Falkirk fan during Saturday’s cinch League One fixture.

“Falkirk Football Club would like to formally apologise to Brian and have reached out to him personally to convey our regret over this matter.

“We would ask any supporters who may have witnessed the alleged abuse directed towards Brian to get in contact with Supporter Liaison Officer, Kevin Beattie, via email at [email protected]. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the football club has a zero-tolerance policy against abusive language or conduct.

“The club would like to highlight the high regard in which the vast majority of Falkirk fans hold Brian Rice and we would also like to thank him for many years of service, as both a player and member of the coaching staff at Falkirk Football Club.”