Tangerines say sorry for their fans’ behaviour

Gloss taken off victory by supporters’ conduct

Dundee United have apologised to Ross County for the behaviour of a “small group” of their supporters at Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final at the Global Energy Stadium.

The Tangerines won a thrilling match 3-2 but some of the shine came off that victory after seven fans were arrested and seats were damaged.

The statement read: “Dundee United has today issued a letter of apology to Ross County following the unacceptable behaviour of a small group of supporters on Saturday.

“After an excellent William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final victory and tremendous backing from the vast majority of the 1,413 United fans who made the trip to Dingwall, it is extremely disappointing that such an apology has had to be made.

“Having received evidence of damage to seats in the North Stand which housed the United fans, as well as reports of seven arrests within the stadium, the club will continue to do everything in its power to prevent this type of behaviour which is detrimental to the proud reputation of Dundee United FC and its fans.

“The club will now work alongside Police Scotland and other agencies to facilitate appropriate action to be taken. Anyone found guilty of misconduct may be subject to immediate and long-term bans from football stadiums.

“In advance of this game, the club deemed it had done everything in its power to work with supporters to prevent such behaviour.

“Several requests were made via our website and advisory notes were issued with each ticket purchase for this game highlighting the need for good behaviour.

“We reiterate once again, it is very disappointing that the actions of a few are damaging the reputation of the entire United support.

“Make no mistake, Dundee United are fiercely proud of our extremely loyal and passionate support who, over a difficult season, have given unequivocal backing to the team.”

It concluded: “We simply cannot allow the inappropriate behaviour of a few individuals to stain that reputation.

“As a club we will continue to work hard to eliminate these ‘supporters’ and their unacceptable conduct from our matches. We would ask all United fans to remain vigilant and help prevent the behaviour of a few to tarnish our collective reputation.”