The animosity that supposedly exists between Aberdeen and Dundee United fans is not as bad as some may think, according to a Dons supporters’ club.
Secretary and ticket convener of the Glenrothes branch of the Aberdeen Supporters Club, Craig Ewen, made the comment in response to an article in last week’s Courier in which a Dundee publican said proposed new measures to stamp out trouble at football grounds may be more appropriate for when Aberdeen fans visited Tannadice, instead of Glasgow’s big two.
Chris Airlie, landlord of The Troll Inn, said Celtic and Rangers supporters were on the whole well behaved when in Tayside. But, he added, games involving Aberdeen are often seen as a more important fixture among fans and as such there was a greater chance of violence erupting.
“I am surprised to hear that,” said Mr Ewen. “I go to Aberdeen games home and away but I have never seen any bother when we play united. Occasionally the Centenary Bar may get a bit boisterous but no trouble.”
Both east coast teams have intensified their rivalry over the years. But Mr Ewen, who works in Dundee surrounded by United fans, said the tag of the New Firm is not something that concerns him.
“They call it the New Firm but I think that is just United trying to catch up with us I mean, they were hanging on our coat tails throughout the 80s!” he joked. “But, to be honest, United away is a big fixture for us.”
Details of the Scottish Government-backed joint action group (JAG) report have now been released and detail a series of recommendations to tackle sectarianism.
No decision has yet been made on what measures will be implemented, but the government said all options will be considered after a full consultation.