Dundee FC have joined fans of both city clubs in condemning sick internet trolls gloating about Dundee United’s cup final loss to St Johnstone.
Messages and pictures posted over the weekend included sick messages about late United chairman Eddie Thompson and striker Nadir Ciftci. They are now being investigated by police.
One troll, who claims to be a Dundee fan but who has been roundly criticised by real supporters of the club, posted an image from Mr Thompson’s funeral in 2008 beside a picture of Dundee FC lifting the Championship trophy earlier this month with the comment: “Spot the difference.”
Another Facebook user put a picture of a noose on a United fans’ page with an offensive racial slur.
In a statement on Monday, Dundee FC said: “The board of Dundee Football Club would like to unequivocally condemn those deeply offensive images and comments which were posted online on a number of websites at the weekend.
“Those who did so do not represent Dundee FC in any way and as well as the great hurt and distress which they must have caused the Thompson family, they have also dragged the good name of our club and one of our own most beloved heroes through the mire. This is unconscionable and totally unacceptable to our board of directors and to our fans.
“We have previously reported incidents in relation to threats and abusive behaviour online and elsewhere to the police and those matters have in turn been reported to the Crown Office. This matter has been similarly reported and we will cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation.
“We have this morning apologised to the Dundee United chairman as a matter of common decency and extend that apology to his wider family. We have very good personal and business relationships with our close neighbours and work closely wherever we can for the benefit of the football community in our city.
“We will not allow anyone to come between our two clubs genuine sporting rivalry with such disgraceful behaviour and we look forward to playing Dundee United next season in the good spirit we have always done.”
Fans of both clubs had also hit out at the posts.
The Lets get behind Dundee Football Club DFC page posted: “Anyone that post pics on this page like the one last night … will be banned and the pics deleted. They were wrong and disgusting.
“There’s a thin line between banter and sick and that was most definitely sick.”Police say Scottish Cup final fans ‘emerged with great credit’The Up Wi’ The Bonnets Facebook page posted: “It’s all good winding up your rivals and having banter but those pictures that were posted on a Dundee page earlier were horrendous.
“That’s taking it too far and if anyone tries to post stuff like that on here, they will be banned.”
The page admins were thanked by scores of fans from both city clubs, many of who stressed their pride that rivalry between the clubs is generally good-humoured.
Anne Wallace said: “Well done for dealing with the sickos who posted that picture. It’s banter between the two sides. We don’t want to turn into the vile, sick Old Firm.”
Jim Linton posted: “As a Utd fan, well done for your actions. Football rivalry and banter is everything. By all means have a pop now and again, it’s what it’s all about, it’s expected. But that photo and the Ciftci one was bang out of order
“Good to see so many genuine Dees totally disgusted as well. All the best next season guys.”
Police Scotland say they are “extremely concerned” by the content of the postings and are investigating.
A spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland is aware of this social media activity and is extremely concerned by its content.
“As such we are carrying out enquiries with a view to tracing the person or people responsible for these postings.
“Anyone who can assist with our investigation should contact us at the earliest opportunity on 101 or speak to any officer.”
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