Dundee managing director John Nelms has launched a staunch defence of Jim McAlister in the wake of last Sunday’s controversial derby with United at Tannadice.
The Dark Blues complained to the SFA about an alleged bite on McAlister by Nadir Ciftci during the game at the start of this week.
United countered with a club statement which included: “It is clear to us that the player (Ciftci) has not been involved in any such incident. In fact, we commend Nadir for his tolerance on the field given some severe physical and totally unacceptable verbal provocation.”
That “provocation” was reported elsewhere to include comments of a racist nature something Nelms insists is at odds with the Jim McAlister he knows.
The managing director said: “I can’t imagine Jim would ever say anything of that nature and I will defend all of our players. If he tells me he never said that then I would believe him. There are other players around him so the truth will come out.
“Nobody has ever said anything to me about any racist comments. The referee was also stood right there and I don’t think that has come out in his report.
“It is all just allegations and rumours but I’m not worried about Jim’s character or reputation being affected. You never know what is said in the heat but I doubt he would be someone who would say something like what he is alleged to have said.
“I have spoken with Jim and since then we have referred everything to the SFA. They have asked us for different things from photographs to statements. They obviously know something has happened and they’re investigating it.
“I was 150 yards from the incident. I don’t know what happens on a football pitch but knowing Jim and his character I don’t think that’s something he would say or do. Jim just gets on with things, he’s a good kid.
“Whatever happened to him he will go down the right path and make sure he does all the right things and follows the rules. We’ve given everything that has been asked for a whole package of things.”
Nelms admitted he did not know how long the SFA investigation into the incident would take but he was sure that the controversy would not damage long-term relations between the sides.
He added: “There is no timescale that we know of. When they (SFA) ask us questions or need to interview someone then they will let us know.
“I don’t think the incident has done anything to the relationship between the clubs.
“We are competitors on the park and that’s the way it is. If something like this is going to happen then we move on. I don’t know that it could sour the relationship. I will have a private conversation with (United chairman) Stephen Thompson and make my decision after that on how our relationship is.
“I haven’t spoken to Stephen yet.
“We have to be cautious and above board with what we say.
“I looked at it and knew something happened. We can’t ignore the fact we think something has happened. You would have to ask them why they made the statements that they did. The authorities have to do their investigation and see what comes of it.
“We are in talks with Jim himself about a new contract and hopefully he will stay because he is a fantastic player and you know exactly what you will get with him.”