Fife man appears in court charged in connection with sending alleged racist message to high-profile footballer

A Fife man has appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court after being charged in connection with sending an alleged racist message to a high-profile footballer playing in England.

Kirk Thompson, 22, appeared in private on a petition alleging that on 9 March he acted in a racially aggravated manner which caused, or was intended to cause, alarm or distress to a person by sending a racist message online.

It's alleged the communication was sent to Middlesbrough player Yannick Bolasie.

He plays as a winger for the English Championship side and the 31-year-old is on loan there from Premier League club Everton.

The Courier reports that Thompson, of Ravens Craig, Kirkcaldy, is also accused of possessing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children at his address between August 2020 and this month and taking or permitting to be taken indecent photographs or psuedo-photographs between the same dates.

Thompson also faces a charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He made no plea and the case has been committed for further examination.

Thompson has been released on bail.

His next court appearance is to be confirmed.