Dundee United launch investigation into alleged racist comment aimed at Jeando Fuchs by Ross County supporter
Incident involving Fuchs occurs after United's winning goal just after the half-hour mark; Ross County CEO says stewards close to the area said no racist language had been directed toward Fuchs; Port Vale also investigating racist message sent to Leyton Orient's Lawrence Vigouroux
Sunday 3 October 2021 15:15, UK
Dundee United have launched an investigation into an alleged racist comment made by a Ross County supporter towards Jeando Fuchs during Saturday’s game at Tannadice.
The incident involving the Cameroon player came after what proved to be United's winning goal from Ilmari Niskanen just after the half-hour mark, leaving County winless.
Fuchs then spoke to the United bench, who alerted the fourth official, and at the final whistle his manager Tam Courts held up a "Show Racism the Red Card" T-shirt.
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However, Ross County manager Malky Mackay insisted that while a comment seemed to have been made, it was not a racial slur.
On Sunday, Ross County CEO Steven Ferguson released a statement which said: "Following the opening goal at Tannadice, Ross County club officials were alerted to a complaint made by Jeando Fuchs of Dundee United to the match officials in relation to alleged racist language being used from the area housing our supporters.
"The club instantly & pro-actively acted as we had a member of our Safety team travelling with the squad, who is a highly experienced and former high ranking Police Officer.
"During the end of the first half and for the vast majority of the second half our Safety Officer engaged with his Dundee United counterpart, Dundee United stewards and Ross 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 Jeando Fuchs.
"Dundee United stewards were extremely close to the area where the chant had come from and had confirmed that no racist language had been used, however swearing and foul language had been. At half-time the referee and his fellow officials also met with representatives of both clubs.
"We also feel the gesture from Dundee United manager Thomas Courts towards our supporters did not reflect responsible handling of the matter given that representatives of both clubs upon the full time whistle had come to the conclusion that no racist language had been used.
"This could also have incited risk to Ross County supporters leaving the stadium after the game. As a football club 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 that we show to visiting supporters.
"We understand that this is a hugely important societal issue, and we will continue to support the fight against racism, but in order to best do so we need to always ensure that there is accurate, clear and unquestionable evidence and facts to support racism complaints.
"We will always continue to investigate each and every issue to the best of our ability, as we did yesterday, to ensure that we best protect everybody effected within each scenario. We would also like to state that Jeando has the full compassion of everybody at Ross County as we were made aware of how distressed he has been from the chain of events."
Following the full-time whistle on Saturday, Ross County boss Mackay said: "It appears something was shouted from the stand. There has been confusion as to what that was because our chief executive and members of the Dundee United staff were in seeing the referee at half-time.
"There had been authorities seeing where our fans were. It appears it was a swear word. That's coming from Dundee United stewards who are in among them.
"It appears it was misheard from the pitch. People have said it was a swear word."
Mackay admitted his opposite number's T-shirt gesture was an "interesting" decision.
Mackay added: "I thought it was an interesting thing to do considering he doesn't know exactly what has happened, neither do I.
"It is clearly premeditated because that red T-shirt isn't sitting on the bench, so considering at half-time that was being explained to both clubs.
"For a manager to do that it was an interesting situation and something that was an interesting judgement call to make."
Courts did not speak to the media after the game with assistant Liam Fox stepping in.
He said there was little more he could add about the incident and added that what Fuchs said to the bench would remain between them.
Fox said: "That's a conversation that will stay between myself, the manager and Jeando. The club are looking into an accusation and if there's anything on that, you'll be among the first to know.
"I didn't see (Courts coming out with the T-shirt). The conversation we had with Jeando will remain private until there's an investigation."
The United players were seen supporting Fuchs with Fox adding: "That probably tells you more about this group of players and how close they are.
"They all want to look out for each other and protect each other.
"As a club that's something we're extremely proud of, that the players are a tight-knit group. Jeando's performance for the rest of the game was absolutely outstanding. I would rather speak about that."
After the game, Show Racism The Red Card tweeted, calling Courts actions "true leadership" and urging the Scottish Government and SFA to do more to combat the issue of racism.
Port Vale investigating racist message sent to Leyton Orient's Lawrence Vigouroux
English League Two side Port Vale, meanwhile, are investigating a racist message sent to Leyton Orient goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux at the end of the match between the two sides at Vale Park.
The keeper reported the comments sent to him on social media and Orient have confirmed they will be reporting the incident.
A statement from Port Vale read: "We are aware of an abusive message sent privately to a Leyton Orient player. Port Vale Football Club will not tolerate abuse of any kind towards officials, players, staff or supporters. The club is investigating."
Leyton Orient tweeted support for their goalkeeper following the 3-2 defeat - with Port Vale scoring twice in injury time to seal the win.
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