Football fans gathered at a Barrhead pub to show their support for a Europe-wide campaign to banish bigotry from the beautiful game.

Arthurlie Inns was the venue for the Football People event, organised by Football Against Racism Europe (FACE) to promote diversity and inclusion.

The gathering was co-sponsored by the Nil By Mouth charity and featured a discussion on how the sport can enrich lives.

Former Arthurlie player and manager Sandy MacLean joined referee Des Roche, sportswriter Stewart Weir, PFA Scotland’s Michelle Evans and SFA head of communities Paul McNeil at the event, alongside compere Robert Burns, from Pulse FM.

Everyone told their stories of how football had changed their life for the better.

Dave Scott, director of Nil By Mouth, said: “The Football People campaign is all about celebrating how the sport can bring people together and we certainly heard some amazing stories from the panel about how football changed their lives for the better. 

“Sandy kicked off and you could have heard a pin drop as he told us a deeply personal story about his late sister and her support for him as a player. 

“Des provided a real insight into how local community clubs can be used as a force for good in the game. 

“Michelle reflected on a range of roles she has held in the game and some hilarious anecdotes about her career. 

“Stewart brought the house down when he showed us his World Cup media accreditation from 1998, telling younger fans that he prayed it wasn’t the only one they’d ever see.

“Finally, Paul brought down the curtain on the night, making us laugh and cry in equal measure.

“It was very touching. Huge thanks must go to Robert Burns for all the hard work in putting this event together.”