The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Footballer Robson sorry after ‘blacking up’ causes offence
DUNDEE UNITED: Player disciplined as Show Racism the Red Card seeks talks
Dundee United star Jamie Robson has been disciplined by the club after he “blacked up” for a fancy dress party.
The player will undertake diversity training after the picture, which the club described as “potentially offensive”, caused outrage online. The 20-year-old apologised “for any offence I have caused”.
“I fully accept the naivety of my actions and can see my actions fall short of what is expected,” Robson said.
“As soon as I became aware that I could offend, I took immediate action and removed both the make-up and costume. I have also apologised to the club for not adhering to the standards expected.”
Show Racism the Red Card has renewed calls for talks about the issue in Scottish football in the wake of the storm, and a number of other highprofile incidents.
The charity has again urged Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee City West, to meet campaigners after claiming he failed to respond to a direct request from bosses in November.
The outfit said racism was “obviously a problem in Scotland”.
A spokeswoman said: “Over the last few weeks there have been so many reports of players being abused by fans – something needs to change.”
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes and full-back Shay Logan, Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson and Celtic’s Scott Sinclair are among those to speak out about racism in the Scottish game. The Robson incident comes nearly a year after the player was hauled in for talks with club bosses after footage emerged online of him dancing and drinking a green liquid from a pint glass while driving.
Show Racism the Red Card said the player had been “really, really stupid” and pointed to Dundee United’s record as a “strong supporter” of the anti-racism message.
“It’s super-disappointing that this incident is surrounding a player from Dundee United because we have done a phenomenal amount of work with the club,” the spokeswoman added.
Mr FitzPatrick was approached for comment.