COUNTY CHIEF WANTS MORE TIME TO INVESTIGATE GARDYNE SLUR ALLEGATION
ROSS COUNTY have asked for time to complete a proper investigation before passing any comment on the allegations made against Michael Gardyne. The 34-year-old was accused of using an offensive slur during Sunday’s game against Rangers in Dingwall, with the alleged incident now subject to an SFA probe. County chief executive Steven Ferguson made an unannounced appearance at the beginning of the club’s media Zoom call yesterday to explain why no one at the Global Energy Stadium would be speaking directly about the claims. It’s understood Gardyne strongly denies using the phrase he is accused of saying. His agent, Tom Callaghan, has insisted his client did not use any homophobic or racist language and pledged to back Gardyne in clearing his name.
The flashpoint occurred after a late challenge by County midfielder Iain Vigurs on Alfredo Morelos. Rangers players, including Connor Goldson, reacted with fury to what Gardyne allegedly said in the aftermath. Referee John Beaton saw fit only to book Gardyne for what he heard, but Rangers manager Steven Gerrard claimed afterwards the words were ‘serious’ and warranted a County investigation. SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte is also making inquiries to determine whether any further action is warranted. Ferguson, who was co-manager at County until this summer, said: ‘We are aware of stuff that has been said to come from the game on Sunday. We woke up to it again in the newspapers today. ‘We are conducting our own investigation to get to the bottom of what was allegedly said or allegedly done. ‘If you can give us a bit of time so we can deal with it, and get to the bottom of it,
(we will be) able to deal with it in the proper manner. It is 48 hours after the alleged incident and we have to make sure we do this properly.’ Manager Stuart Kettlewell, as directed by Ferguson, refused to comment on the allegations specifically. But the County manager stressed the furore would not be allowed to affect preparations for Saturday’s away trip to face Aberdeen. ‘There’s no sideshow here as far as I’m concerned,’ said Kettlewell. ‘I’m here to do a job as a footballer manager and prepare a team to play against Aberdeen. ‘We pick up the pieces of what happened against Rangers, and by that I mean performance, goals conceded, chances created. ‘We’re preparing for a game against Aberdeen, one of the most difficult away venues. We have to be completely focused on football and make sure we’re in the right frame of mind to take on a huge task.’