County and our fans are fully exonerated
Staggies hit out as probe rules Fuchs wasn’t racially abused...
ROSS COUNTY say “extensive investigations” by police and the SPFL have cleared a club supporter of alleged racist abuse at Tannadice.
Dundee United reacted with fury after their player Jeando Fuchs said he had heard the fan shout a racist term at him.
Tangerine officials suggested they had corroboration for the accusation and had passed findings to the SPFL and Police Scotland. County carried out their own investigation, taking statements from almost two dozen fans in the immediate vicinity who said they either heard nothing or only foul, non-racist language.
County were furious at Dundee United manager Tam Courts’ “pre-meditated” act in brandishing a “Show Racism the Red Card” T-shirt in front of the away fans at full-time before investigations had been completed. Club chief executive Steven Ferguson said the Highland club was “extremely disappointed” at how they, their staff and support had been portrayed by United and others in subsequent coverage. Ferguson said: “We have received confirmation from the authorities that there was no evidence of racist language being used. We now feel that Ross County and our supporters have been fully exonerated and we can draw conclusion to this matter. “Given the nature of the allegation, it was centrally important that a comprehensive and thorough investigation was carried out by the relevant authorities, as Ross County sets very high standards in responsibly handling all concerns of hate crime.
“We would like to reiterate that any form of hate crime, including racism, has no place in society and must never be accepted in Scottish football.
“A large amount of clear and precise evidence from a significant number of witnesses and sources within the Ross County support and from personnel outwith our club was reviewed by various parties including Police Scotland.
“A report was then submitted to the SPFL and SFA. It was made clear from this evidence that absolutely no racist language had been used
“The individual who had chanted also came forward during the investigation. His statement was corroborated by sources outwith Ross County that were in attendance.
“Our club, staff and supporters are extremely disappointed in how we have been portrayed since the match in certain quarters, which has had a negative impact on our public perception.
“I would like to thank the other independent sources and personnel outside of Ross County who contributed to the thorough investigation which has been conducted.
“This has been a challenging time for everybody, we appreciate the need for clubs and officials to support their players.
“We also feel it is imperative that lessons are learned to ensure that agreed protocols of investigation are carried out going forward.
“We now consider this matter as closed.”
It was made clear absolutely no racist language had been used STEVEN FERGUSON