25th November 2004

Dundee FC fan praised for action

The Church of Scotland today praised a 14-year-old Dundee Football Club supporter who reported a fellow fan for racial abuse, along with the efforts of Dundee schools to combat racism, writes Katherine Trail.

Alan Martin was convicted at the sheriff court on Tuesday of making racist comments during a match against Celtic and has been banned for life from Dens Park after a teenager reported the remarks to police during the game.

Convener of the Kirk's Church and Nation Committee, Morag Mylne, said, "We applaud the actions of the teenage Dundee FC supporter who reported racist abuse being perpetrated by an older fan.

"That he did so is testimony to his own courage and the values of his home and school.

"It's important to recognise this incident not only as an example of young people standing up for what they know to be right, but also as a victory for the values being taught in our schools and churches.

"While football clubs should and indeed do take action against racism and sectarianism, there is also an element of individual responsibility.

"It would be good to think that young fans everywhere might have the courage to act in the same manner as this young Dundee fan, where supporters of those clubs are responsible for perpetrating sectarian abuse."

Convener of the Education Committee David Alexander said, "We are aware and very supportive of the excellent work done by schools in Dundee to combat racism and other forms of abuse and we are pleased that this youngster felt it was right to stand up to behaviour he knew to be wrong.

"It is also commendable that the adults he reported the matter to treated it seriously and took appropriate action."

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said that teaching in Dundee schools aimed to promote tolerance and understanding of differing races, religions, backgrounds and points of view.

She said, "The issue is talked about with pupils attending secondary schools through Social Education lessons and Religious and Moral Education (RME).

"Primary and secondary pupils from the Citywide Pupil Council have produced leaflets for all pupils under the heading 'Different but Equal' which outline Dundee City Council's policy of race quality. These have been distributed to all pupils.

"We display posters around our schools that promote race equality and anti-sectarianism from Show Racism the Red Card and One Scotland, Different Cultures.

"We take part in events organised by Show Racism the Red Card. For instance, over 100 pupils attended an event at Tannadice last week attended by players from Dundee United.

"All pupils are to be given an opportunity to get a Show Racism the Red Card poster featuring a squad photo of one of the Dundee teams.

"We have hosted a national seminar at West Park centre on the issue, where Dundee pupils presented some of the workshops."

Evening Telegraph and Post