A MUSSELBURGH footballer who was allegedly racially abused on the pitch has received a video message of support from Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The star player told Kamran Tufail, 25, known as Pinkie, a centre-back with Wallyford Bluebell AFC: “Hi Pinkie, it’s Trent. I’ve heard you’ve been the victim of some abuse and just wanted to say I’ve been there – I’ve had it. I just wanted to say keep your head up mate, keep training hard and all the best. You’ll never walk alone.”

Pinkie, a former pupil of Loretto RC Primary School, told the Courier the star’s support was “absolutely massive”.

He added: “To have one of the most talented players in world football making the effort and taking the time to do that is really incredible.

“We’ve all seen the levels of racial abuse some of the England players received after the Euros and it is blatantly clear that not enough is being done to stamp racism out of the game.

“I would assume that all players are in agreement that more needs to be done and the least we can do is try to do our part at this level.

“Trent has certainly helped us in achieving the change that is required in football.”

Rod Learmonth, coach and club secretary at Wallyford Bluebell, said: “We were naturally delighted and a little gobsmacked that Pinkie’s story had reached the Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“His message of encouragement to Pinkie quite clearly came with sympathy that he himself has had racist incidents to deal with throughout his life.

“It’s no secret now that we’re trying our best to raise the profile of racism in our game and this message was further justification that our actions are receiving encouragement.”

Pinkie added: “I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from everyone – from players and coaches, from teams in the amateur leagues and also from some senior teams.

“It really does highlight how much of a minority it is that regard racism as acceptable.

“We’ve had big companies such as BT offer their support and more recently had backing from Show Racism the Red Card, and even East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan have all helped raise awareness of the ongoing situation.”

Wallyford Bluebell also recently joined forces with Haddington Town AFC to show their opposition to racism by holding a special pre-season friendly match.

The game, described as an “incredible display of solidarity”, came after Haddington midfielder Tony Ip, 27, from Port Seton, was allegedly racially abused during a friendly between Haddington Town and East Calder CFC Amateurs last month.

Present at the match at Fisherrow was former Hibernian and Portsmouth star Kevin Harper and representatives of the Show Racism the Red Card charity.