The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
United boss sees hostility on the cards
Tam Courts expects a “frosty reception” at Dingwall as Dundee United face Ross County for the first time since the Jeando Fuchs incident.
Courts held up a Show Racism the Red Card T-shirt to Ross County fans when the clubs last met in October.
That came after allegations of racial abuse from the County end towards United midfielder Fuchs.
The SPFL later found there was “insufficient evidence” to pursue the claims.
Fuchs chose not to push for a Police Scotland investigation.
Courts refused to apologise for his public defence of Fuchs, insisting he was holding up “a T-shirt of peace” to the away end.
County were heavily critical of the United boss in their statements on the incident – and Courts is not anticipating a red carpet welcome at Dingwall.
“A lot of time has lapsed since that game,” said Courts.
“It’s not something we have dwelt on as a staff or a club.
“It’s a football match and we are excited at the prospect of playing.
“I don’t think Jeando has any concerns about going up to Ross County.
“They were critical of me and I can imagine the reception might be a little bit frosty.
“But I’d also like to think that, by the time three o’clock comes, that we need to make sure we focus on the job in hand.
“After the performance and result last week we have three games in a week.
“It’s really important that we don’t get distracted.
“We said what we said about the Jeando Fuchs incident and in the proceeding weeks but we are now going there to play a football match.
“We are there to enjoy watching the players and want back-to-back victories.”
Fuchs is facing a late fitness test after pulling up injured in last week’s 1-0 win over Aberdeen.
“Jeando had his boots on at training which is good,” said Courts.
“We’ll give him until the last minute as he is such an important player.”
Meanwhile, striker Marc Mcnulty is ahead of schedule in his fitness battle and could return to the side before the New Year Dundee derby.
The Scotland forward was expected to be out well into January after undergoing surgery in October.
But Courts has revealed the striker is making good progress on his comeback and is likely to feature before the end of 2021.
Courts said: “Marc had an operation in a really intricate part of his leg.
“We have to make sure we give him enough to make him feel like he is making progress but show a bit of patience too.
“Marc is ahead of schedule and I would say we are now looking at this side of New Year for his return now.”