SILENT SHAME
United refuse to condemn supporters who jeered during pre-match tribute at Ibrox to mark passing of the Queen
DUNDEE UNITED last night opted not to condemn the disruption of a minute’s silence to mark the death of the Queen at Ibrox.
Shouts, jeers and chants could be heard from the visitors’ section throughout the pre-match show of respect, with a few Rangers fans responding angrily.
After the conclusion of his club’s 2-1 defeat, a United spokesman declared that caretaker coach Liam Fox would not comment on the matter at his press conference, instead indicating that a statement would follow.
Later they released a thin, two-paragraph missive which read: ‘Dundee United are aware of the actions of a small section of the crowd who chose to not respect the minute’s silence before this afternoon’s match at Ibrox.
‘As a club, ahead of the game we reached out to advise our supporters of the pre-match arrangements
with the expectation that the minute silence would be observed.’
Much of the palpable anger in the stadium dissipated in the eighth minute when Antonio Colak gave Rangers the lead.
The Croatian responded to his smart finish by raising a finger to his lips, a gesture he confirmed was motivated by the pre-match unsavouriness.
‘We were standing silently before the start of the game — everyone knows why,’ said Colak. ‘It’s all about respect.
‘For me, when I scored, it was just my emotions. There was over 50,000 in the stadium and everybody had respect.
‘But some people hadn’t had that. I think in that moment everybody should understand.
‘Afterwards, everybody showed the right way of showing respect.’
Colak doubled Rangers’ advantage just after half-time, rendering Liam Smith’s counter in the 59th minute a mere consolation.
The Croatian has now scored nine goals in 13 appearances since his summer move from PAOK Salonica.
Recalled after being dropped in favour of Alfredo Morelos for the team’s 3-0 defeat to Napoli, he responded without fuss. And he paid tribute to full-backs James Tavernier and Borna Barisic for providing the assist for his two goals.
He added: ‘Today was a nice day, a goal from Tav and a goal from Borna.
‘We try to search for these connections to create situations and I am happy I was in the right spot.
‘It doesn’t matter whether I play from the start or I’m on the bench. The coach knows what is the best for the team and I know that and respect that always.
‘I always try to be ready because he’s the one who makes the decision and decides on the tactics.
‘For now, I am happy with all the minutes I’ve played.’
For Fox, this was an encouraging afternoon that married defensive organisation with a forward-going threat.
Having effected obvious improvement in the team since the departure of Jack Ross, he is now firmly in contention to be named head coach on a permanent basis.
Tannadice sporting director Tony Asghar has held discussions with Fox, who expects the matter to be resolved during the international fortnight.
Fox said: ‘My situation will probably be resolved in the next couple of days — one way or the other. I will speak to Tony and the board over the next few days and see where we are after that.
‘I’ve been quite clear that I have always seen myself being a manager at some point but I have also been clear that I was in no rush to do that.
‘I have enjoyed the last three weeks. The players and the staff have been first class, really helpful and we will see where it goes in the next couple of days.
‘Disappointment is the overriding feeling. I can’t fault the players for attitude and application. We pushed Rangers all the way to the end. That’s the positives but the disappointment is we come away without any points.
‘We lost soft goals but the response from the players was good.
‘The first one, it’s our corner, it’s a mistake and, with the quality that Rangers have, they can punish you.’
The brightest aspect of United’s performance was the contribution of substitute Sadat Anaku. The 21-year-old Ugandan climbed off the bench and instantly helped drag his team back into the game with a fine run that opened up the opportunity for Smith to score.
Fox added: ‘Sadat’s been pushing and knocking on the door. He brings us energy, pace and power, and he had good impact on the game.
‘He’s a laid-back character, so I didn’t have any worries about putting him on. He doesn’t say much but he comes to life on the pitch.’