Ross County say external investigations confirm there's no evidence racist language was used by fan

Ross County say they're in the clear, after investigations found there was no evidence racist language was used by one of their supporters during their match with Dundee United.

It was alleged a Staggie fan had targeted United midfielder Jeando Fuchs at Tannadice on October 2nd.

However, following probes from the Police, SPFL and SFA, no evidence of a racial term being used was found.

Ross County feel they have been "fully exonerated", and can now "draw conclusion on this matter."

Full statement

Staggies CEO Steven Ferguson said: "An extensive investigation has been concluded by all parties around the events of our match at Tannadice on 2nd October 2021, where there was a suggestion of racist language being used by a Ross County supporter.

"We have received confirmation from the authorities that there was no evidence of racist language being used. We now feel that Ross County & our supporters have been fully exonerated, and we can draw conclusion on this matter.

"Given the nature of the allegation, it was centrally important that a comprehensive and thorough investigation was carried out by the relevant authorities, as Ross County FC sets very high standards in responsibly handling all concerns of hate crime.

"We would like to re-iterate that any form of hate crime, including racism, has no place in society and must never be accepted in Scottish football.

"A large amount of clear and precise evidence from a significant number of witnesses and sources within the Ross County support and from personnel outwith our club was reviewed by various parties including Police Scotland. A report was then submitted to the SPFL and Scottish FA for their consideration.

"It was made clear from this evidence that absolutely no racist language had been used. The individual who had chanted also came forward during the investigation. His statement was corroborated by sources outwith Ross County that were in attendance.

"I would like to repeat from my initial statement that our club, staff and supporters are extremely disappointed in how we have been portrayed since the match in certain quarters, which has had a negative impact on our public perception. In responding to these allegations, I personally would like to thank our Supporter Liaison Officer and our fans for the composed and responsible manner in which they have conducted themselves since the match and for the collective response and cooperation we have received.

"I would like to thank the other independent sources and personnel outside of Ross County who contributed to the thorough investigation which has been conducted.

"This has been a challenging time for everybody, we appreciate the need for clubs and officials to support their players. We also feel it is imperative that lessons are learned to ensure that agreed protocols of investigation are carried out going forward.

"We now consider this matter as closed."

We asked Dundee Utd boss Tam Courts for his reaction :

"I'm not aware of any statement that's been released. If I look at the incident that happened and the allegations, I'm actually quite content about what unfolded in terms of our support for our player.

"As football fans we have to uphold ourselves to really high standards so for me the key thing is just to make sure that on that day Jeando was supported.

"I think he was supported and we showed a lack of tolerance for any sort of discriminatory behaviour in the stadium".