County chief calls Courts ‘irresponsible’ over T-shirt gesture
Ross County have labelled Dundee United head coach Tam Courts irresponsible for his reaction to allegations of racism against their fans which they say proved unfounded.
County chief executive Steven Ferguson claimed Courts could have incited trouble for the travelling fans after raising a Show Racism the Red Card T-shirt aloft after United’s 1-0 win at Tannadice on Saturday.
United midfielder Jeando Fuchs had reported an alleged racial slur coming from the visiting fans after his side’s first-half goal, but County say initial investigations from both clubs concluded it was a misunderstanding.
Ferguson said: “During the end of the first half and for the majority of the second half our safety officer engaged with his Dundee United counterpart, United stewards and County supporters, as well as other representatives of both clubs, where it was made clear to him from all parties, that no racist language had been used during a chant that was aimed at Fuchs.
“United stewards were extremely close to the area where the chant had come from and confirmed no racist language had been used. However, swearing and foul language had been.
“We also feel the gesture from Thomas Courts towards our supporters did not reflect responsible handling of the matter given representatives of both clubs upon the fulltime whistle had come to the conclusion no racist language had been used.
“This could also have incited risk to County supporters leaving the stadium.
“We will always defend our club, our supporters and our people where we feel they are being misrepresented, or have not being treated to the same standards we show to visiting supporters.
“We understand this is a hugely important societal issue and will continue to support the fight against racism, but in order to best do so, we need to always ensure there is accurate, clear and unquestionable evidence and facts to support racism complaints.
“We would also like to state Jeando has the full compassion of everybody at County as we were made aware of how distressed he has been from the chain of events.”