DUNDEE FC have released the following statement on their website relating to their investigation into the Irish Flag Snatch Incident that took place on Sunday at Dens Park.
“The club would advise that the enquiries into the “flag” incident which took place at Sunday’s match vs. Celtic are now concluded.
These enquiries have revealed a clear breakdown in communication and decision making and moving forward, this needs to be and will be addressed by the club in conjunction with all members of the event management team. Clearly, the method employed to remove the item from the advertising board was not acceptable and out with the agreed procedures for dealing with matters of this nature.
The clubs and the two supporters involved have met and discussed the issue at great length and Dundee Football Club would wish to convey our sincere thanks for the cooperation of all concerned.
In the spirit of the discussions which took place at this meeting, Dundee Football Club would wish to place on record our sincere apologies to the two supporters involved in this incident. We will always endeavour in future to strive to achieve a safe and secure environment for everyone here at the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park.”
The Celtic supporters, having had their flag snatched by the Dens Park Stewards, risked arrest but were determined to recover their property and defend the flag.
Well done to them.
Celtic fans will respond to this latest anti-Irish incident in Scottish society on (Beautiful) Sunday, 31 March when as many supporters as possible within the 60,000 crowd at Paradise will fly the tricolour to celebrate Celtic’s heritage.
Earlier today we reported on how CELTIC’s Supporter Liaison Officer John Paul Taylor last night posted this welcome update following the Irish flag outrage that occurred at Dens Park on Sunday, which was St Patricks’s Day.
Celtic supporters had their Irish flag snatched from stewards and the club initially claimed that this was done because the flag was covering an advertising board.
Update on issue from Sunday regarding the flag removal, the Club and @DundeeFC have met with the two fans involved, Dundee FC are currently carrying out a full investigation
— Celtic FC SLO (@CelticFCSLO) March 20, 2019
The Celtic Star pointed out to Dundee FC that this had NOT happened in December 2018 when the Rangers were visitors to Dens Park and their fans displayed a flag over the same exit.
The Celtic supporters retrieved their flag after a major argument and now they have been in contact with both clubs and Dundee FC are now carrying out a full investigation.
Here’s the flag being removed / stolen in the most sneaky manner possible.
Cops just up and take Irish flag. This is what Scotland has come to. pic.twitter.com/ArXYm2lJJ8
— HoopsMerch (@HoopMerch67) March 17, 2019
Here are the Bhoys getting their flag back…
You need to take back what belongs to you ???????? #DUNCEL pic.twitter.com/Va8fIBbQMw
— Stephen Roberts ???? (@Roberts1521) March 17, 2019
John Nelms, who is the Managing Director at Dundee, told the STV News Sports Reporter Raman Bhardwaj that the flag was removed because it was covering an advertising hoarding.
Speaking outside Hampden ahead of an SPFL board meeting on Monday, Helms told Bhardwaj: “The flag itself was taken down because it was covering up a board that was paid for by patrons that support the club.
“That’s the only reason it was taken down.”
Now it looks like Mr Nelms has had a closer look at this incident, which many in the Celtic support regard as an instance of anti-Irish racism, and has ordered an investigation. Today’s statement from Dundee shows that Mr Nelms has recognised the mistakes made by his club and he has acted accordingly and with honour.
A few of the comments on JPT’s timeline…
“A full apology should be the least they get and the stewards reprimanded.”
“Mibbie the steward was looking tae get demoted tae a joab at ibroke..”
“Excellent! Behaviour from that clown steward was disgraceful.”
“Sack the clowns involved, shocking behaviour from stewards.”
“An absolute disgrace” and “on St Patrick’s day of all days.”
“Would this be the same advertising board that’s been publicly shown as having a Union Jack over it for most of a game JP, selective removal of flags in other words, made worse an Irish flag was pulled down on St. Patrick’s Day in the first place, good luck JP”
Remember, it’s Fly Our Flag Day on (Beautiful) Sunday, 31 March at Celtic Park – bring your Tricolour and fly it proudly.
They removed my flag but got it back????????!!!!
Unbowed and Unbroken ???????????????? #DUNCEL#StParticksDay pic.twitter.com/AtC7hC4my6— Stephen Roberts ???? (@Roberts1521) March 17, 2019
