Comments from new Dundee FC boss John Brown that he “cannae stand the Arabs” have been pulled from the Dark Blues’ official website.
The Dens Park manager made the remark, which he has subsequently described as “tongue-in-cheek”, on the club website DFCTV.
As word of Brown’s comments started to spread among fans and risked raising tensions ahead of this weekend’s cup clash with Dundee United Dundee FC quickly removed the comment from the video interview.
The chairman of Dundee United’s biggest supporters society last night described Brown’s comment as “disappointing”.
Brown had been asked about Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final match with United at Dens Park and replied: “I’m looking forward to it. I cannae stand the Arabs. That’s the bottom line, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Steven Hughes, chairman of ArabTRUST, the Dundee United supporters’ society, told the Courier: “It’s disappointing, but we look forward to going to Dens on Sunday and hope to have our place booked in the semi by 2.30pm.”
Brown’s comments were made at the end of a three-minute interview following Dundee’s 2-2 draw with St Johnstone on Wednesday.
The interview is also featured on the SPL’s official YouTube channel, but omits the “Arabs” remark.
Brown played down the comment, describing it as a “non-story”.
He said: “At the end of the day it was a tongue-in-cheek comment. I’ve played against United in derby games as a Dundee player. I’m a Dundee man so it’s true to say I don’t like the club’s rivals.
“I have lots of respect for Dundee United. They have a lot of good players. But I’m Dundee ask the fans what they think of the Arabs.”
Fans of both clubs took to this site and internet forums to discuss Brown’s remark.
One Dundee fan said: “As funny as it is, it’s also completely embarrassing.
“He’s saying that just to get a cheap pop from the fans, and it’s something a manager should never say. Totally out of order, unprofessional and a distinct lack of class.”
A Dundee United supporter wrote: “Let’s hope United dont get involved in any nonsense like that and do their talking on the pitch, once again.”