Published Date: 15 September 2011
By Cameron Hay
Police are trying to trace Celtic supporters who launched a hate campaign against a promising 16-year-old footballer because he moved to an English club.
Hundreds of offensive comments were posted online by people angered by Islam Feruz's decision to move from the Parkhead club to Chelsea.
Officers from Strathclyde Police and the newly formed Football Co-ordination Unit for Scotland and are investigating following complaints from a number of fans.
A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the comments and the matter is being looked into with the appropriate action being taken by officers."
Hours after it was announced that the Somali-born player had left Celtic to join the London club, Feruz was subjected to hundreds of comments from so-called supporters.
On a Facebook page dedicated to the player - dubbed the Scottish Wayne Rooney - hundreds of hate-filled posts, littered with expletives, accused him of dishonouring the late Celtic legend Tommy Burns.
Others even wished the teenager serious injury for turning his back on the club.
Feruz arrived from Somalia in 2001 and made his first senior outing for Celtic in 2009.
He has joined Chelsea on a reported £2,500 per week.
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