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Angry Dundee fan writes to John Nelms over pigeon poo seat row

Brian Thomson and the seat covered in pigeon poo. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson and Brian Thomson
Brian Thomson and the seat covered in pigeon poo. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson and Brian Thomson

A lifelong Dundee FC fan has written to club chief John Nelms in a row over pigeon poo on his seat.

Brian Thomson, 57, says he was left “disgusted” when he attended the match against Arbroath at Dens Park on Monday to find the seat allocated on his ticket caked in bird droppings.

He says he and his son tried searching for somewhere else to sit in the South Enclosure but claims every other seat had been taken.

Brian claims that after initially being told they could not move seats, they were eventually given a space in an area normally reserved for paramedics – which had a restricted view.

Brian Thomson outside the stadium. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

He told The Courier: “It’s just shoddy customer service.

“Fans already pay over the odds for a ticket as it is

“To expect us to sit in a seat which is covered in bird droppings is just unacceptable.

‘They’re treating the fans like mugs’

“I appreciate that the club are hoping to move to a new stadium soon but even if they can get the cash together that’s some years away.

“It just feels like they’re treating the fans like mugs.

“We were eventually allowed – just as the teams arrived on the pitch – to sit behind the first aiders with a seriously restricted view of the pitch, which was awful and unacceptable value for money.

The view from Brian’s new seat. Image: Brian Thomson

“I’ve seen lots of pigeon excrement on seats in other parts of the ground previously – the difference in the other parts of the ground is that you can usually move to another vacant seat.

“I hope that by highlighting the issue the club will recognise that, for as long as they stay at Dens Park, they have to provide supporters with clean and safe facilities.”

Brian wrote to managing director Nelms after the match – which Arbroath won – to express his frustration.

Response from Dundee FC over pigeon poo

He received a response from general manager Greg Fenton confirming fans are not usually expected to sit in dirty seats.

Mr Fenton’s email said: “I will find out the reasons behind the refusal for yourself to move seats, however supporters can move seats to ones that are unoccupied if their seats are dirty.

Dundee managing director John Nelms
Dundee managing director John Nelms.

“The team have a list of areas known for bird droppings and ensure these seats have covers over them, and I will ask the team if your seats are on the list and if not, why.

“Thank you bringing these matters to my attention, I will ensure that the area around your seats and the seats themselves are cleaned thoroughly before the next home league match.”

Brian added: “I appreciate receiving a quick response and, if the club addresses the issues, fine.

“However, given that the pigeon dropping issue is long-standing, I’m a bit sceptical that it will be properly addressed.”

A spokesperson for the club referred back to Mr Fenton’s response when asked for comment.

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