GREENOCK Wanderers have been CLEARED of an allegation of racism following a police investigation into claims made by an opposition player.

The club had been at the centre of a criminal probe — and a separate inquiry by Scottish Rugby — for more than four months after Strathmore winger Dylan Skibinski made a complaint.

Mr Skibinski, 18, said he had been subjected to verbal abuse during a match at the Wanderers' Fort Matilda ground during a game played in January.

But an investigation by Police Scotland found no evidence of any racist behaviour by anyone at the club.

Wanderers spokesman David Ramage said the club had been 'dumbfounded' by what it described as a 'baseless accusation'.

Mr Ramage told the Telegraph: "We were delighted but not surprised to hear that Police Scotland had decided to drop the case of alleged racial abuse by members of our coaching staff as they failed to find any corroborating evidence.

"The fact that none of those implicated were even interviewed under caution shows how baseless this accusation was."

Mr Skibinski had stated that he was so 'disgusted' by the behaviour he alleged had taken place that he didn't shake hands with any of the Wanderers coaches after scoring the winning try in the game.

His father Stefan — who was not at the match — claimed afterwards that his son had been 'subjected to abuse throughout the game'.

He did not reply to a request to comment on the outcome of the investigation.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed: "Enquiries have now concluded.

"No-one has been arrested.

"Should any additional information be received by police it will be actioned as appropriate."

The Wanderers' Mr Ramage says the club has gone through an ordeal since the allegations were made.

He said: "We were dumbfounded by the accusations and found it especially strange that none of the players, either on the field or on the bench, the officials or any of the sizeable crowd who were at pitch side heard any racial references at all.

"Since the publication of these accusations, there has been significant pressure levelled at those accused in both a professional and personal environment and to the club's reputation, principles and values.

"It is with great credit and resilience that our coaching staff have dealt with these accusations, worked closely with Police Scotland and Scottish Rugby and now that the accusations have been dismissed, can put this experience behind them."

Mr Ramage added: "Racism or any other form of abuse, is not acceptable in rugby or any other sport.

"Every effort was made to assist both Police Scotland and Scottish Rugby to resolve this issue.

"Although this issue is now closed, it is my intention is to work with our governing body, Scottish Rugby, to complete a 'lessons learned'.

"Unfortunately, we do still see racism within sport, but by working with Scottish Rugby, to review our experiences, it will allow them to advise others, if the situation is experienced elsewhere.

"Our club president, David McIlroy, is keen to put this horrible experience behind us and remind everyone of what Greenock Wanderers is all about — creating friendship and team spirit, respect of the individual and inclusion of all, and promoting the game that we all love, rugby."

The Telegraph contacted Dylan Skibinski yesterday for comment but he did not reply.