Dundee Galaxy and Dee Club row over 'kill them' claims

A war of words has broken out over claims of threatening remarks from the touchline at a crucial Dundee boys' football match.

Drumgeith Park.

By Jennifer Cosgrove and Stefan Morkis
Published in the Courier : 26.05.10
Published online : 26.05.10 @ 05.23pm

Backed up

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, backed up Mr Walker's claims, saying she and her husband approached the referee at the end of the match to ask why no action had been taken against the man who shouted out.

The referee said he had not heard the remark.

The game ended 3-3, meaning Galaxy took the league title.

Mr Walker contacted the secretary of the Dundee and District Youth Football Association (DDYFA) about the incident and was advised to write a formal letter of complaint.

He also made a complaint about the incident to Tayside Police but said he was advised it was a "throwaway" remark and would not be investigated.

Mr Walker said, "It was a fabulous game until the parent shouted an idiotic, vile remark and ruined it.

"The laddies had been playing their best and were shaken up when they heard it. Some of them flopped for the rest of the game.

"All the folk who were standing on the sidelines shook their heads when they heard him.

"In my time, I've experienced parents shouting at the pitch, saying things like 'break his leg' in the heat of the moment, but they've later apologised for it.

"I know this man will do it again and I'm completely against it — it's a public park and adults should not be behaving like that.

"What are the bairns supposed to think when they hear people shouting like that? Football is a sport — it's a game and it should be enjoyed.

"Sadly, the parents' will to win has overtaken the boys' will to win and I think you've got to nip it in the bud."

No-one heard

Responding to Mr Walker's claims, Mr McKillop said, "I would like to state that no-one involved with Dundee Galaxy condones the actions of any individual from any team who may act in an unsporting manner.

"On this occasion no-one on the Galaxy touchline heard this alleged comment.

"Mr Walker has successfully managed to detract from the achievements of not only Dundee Galaxy but also his own team's performance last night.

"The referee was also part of the large majority who did not hear or witness any such alleged 'throwaway' remark.

"Mr Walker also mentioned that remarks like 'break his leg' have been heard at football for many years — but he fails to mention that one of Galaxy's players was targeted with that very remark at the game."

Mr McKillop said he believes there may be ill-feeling between the two clubs because a number of former Dee Club players now play for Galaxy.

DDYFA president Jim Falconer said, "If Mr Walker wishes to write a letter then we will take things from there. We will listen to the complaint and look into the matter."

This week's events have prompted the national secretary of the Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA) to urge all those involved with the game at grassroots level to help stamp out any parental shouts encouraging injury.

David Little told The Courier that the number of these incidents has fallen this season but said "one case is one too many."