Abuse has now crossed a line, says Pars chief
With the behaviour of football supporters up and down the country in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, Dunfermline Athletic can now be added to the list of clubs that have been shamed by the actions of an idiotic minority.
Pars chairman Ross McArthur released a lengthy statement yesterday condemning the ‘disgraceful’ actions of a small section of supporters after a series of incidents during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Partick thistle which led to a Firhill steward being taken to hospital.
One supporter also had to be physically restrained from getting to the girlfriend and sister of one of the Pars players after verbally abusing them at the match.
For most supporters, officials and players, they now have their own crucial question: how has it come to this?
We’ve sadly become all too familiar with terrible incidents tarnishing our game of late.
Falkirk’s Dennon Lewis was on the end of alleged racist abuse from his own fans, an Aberdeen supporter made a racist slur towards Celtic’s Scott Sinclair during the Betfred Cup final, while hearts fans were accused of racially abusing Motherwell’s Christian Mbulu last weekend.
Down in England, four supporters were banned by Chelsea after being caught on camera screaming abuse at Manchester City and England winger Raheem Sterling.
Reflecting on a worrying trend of anti-social behaviour among fans at Dunfermline, Pars chairman McArthur insists the so-called supporters involved have ‘crossed the line into the area of conduct which is wholly unacceptable’.
‘Sadly, there has been a number of recent instances where several of our own players, the manager, the coaching staff and the directors have been abused by our own supporters,’ said the East End Park club chairman. ‘it has also now spread to abusing our families, too.
‘the behaviour of a handful of people in the Dunfermline end at Firhill on Saturday was nothing less than disgraceful — and a huge embarrassment to the club. i reiterate it was only a minority.
‘On Saturday, there were various unsavoury incidents reported, including a steward being taken to hospital, but the worst was when the girlfriend and the sister of one of our players were targeted as they left Firhill. Younger male supporters were verbally abusing them in their faces, with one of them having to be physically restrained from getting to the girls.
‘A few weeks ago, the family of one of our players was sent an abusive video message by a “supporter” during a match. his family managed to prevent the player from seeing it, but nevertheless his family have seen it, and have questioned whether he should remain at our club.
‘if his family had not deleted the video, this would now be an ongoing matter for Police Scotland.’
Among the other shocking revelations, the Pars chief noted ballboys and girls have been ‘insulted’ at East End Park, a window smashed, toilets flooded while players, manager Allan Johnston, directors and coaching staff have all been targeted by a section of the club’s supporters.
the Fife club have stuttered this season in the Ladbrokes Championship, sitting seventh after 16 matches. But, for McArthur, trying to link the performances on the pitch and actions of supporters off it will not be accepted.
‘it’s been happening for a couple of months,’ he told
Sportsmail. ‘People think we’re issuing a statement to deflect attention because results aren’t going as well as we want.
‘i’m conscious of that — but enough is enough after what happened on Saturday.
‘People have to take a stand against this because it is becoming part and parcel of football. No it is not — you can’t behave like that.
‘the very existence of our club continues to depend on their goodwill. in addition, the fantastic support we receive from the majority of our supporters is a lifesaver for our club.
‘those people who are quick to criticise or abuse others appear neither to care, nor to have any awareness of how galling it is for so many other people and their families who keep our club running, to see their good work being seriously undermined by unnecessary, divisive and abusive behaviour.’
McArthur stressed that he would not name the players on the receiving end of the abuse to protect them but admits he is concerned about their mental health in the face of such behaviour.
the Pars chairman continued: ‘i’ve got a duty of care to our staff, i’ve got to support people as best i can. All the good work you’re trying to do to help people is being undermined.
‘You’ve got to look out for young players — all players. Young males are the “at risk” category in terms of mental health.
‘A lot of things i’ve learned since i’ve got involved behind the scenes i didn’t know before. You’ve got to be very careful with mental health.
‘it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. it’s better to ask for help and look for support if you need it. that’s what we try to do at the club. i try to support people as best i can.
‘if i see that type of activity, i’ve got a moral duty as chairman to look after the people we employ.’
When it comes to the Pars, a club saved by fans in recent years when administration struck and liquidation loomed, they have been keen to keep a close bond with supporters.
And perhaps that’s one of the biggest challenges always facing clubs in Scotland. Keeping everyone on the same side even when those men and women employed on the pitch — who
never deserve to be abused — might not necessarily achieve positive results.
‘the club has tried to help our players, with further education, touch points and various forms of support but abusing a player or other member of staff simply undermines our club’s efforts on this front,’ added McArthur.
‘Football is a particularly uncertain and fickle industry, giving rise to many challenges for young players. they need our support at all times, not just when they are playing well, and East End Park needs to be a positive environment for them to develop. the players representing our club are not overpaid superstars, but honest young men trying their best.
‘Football is an emotional game, but everyone has to think about the consequences of their actions. harming our club, its staff or its property is surely counterproductive is it not?’