YOUR VIEWS: Offensive football fans – and a new restaurant for Inverness?
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A reader on abuse heard at a Caley Thistle match and responses to new restaurant rumours.
Offensive comments not acceptable
As an assistant referee Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, ran the line at the recent match between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Cove Rangers.
Mr Ross is a public figure and I am sure that he is used to being subject to some barracking.
However, at Caledonian Stadium the tone of some of this was deeply unpleasant.
I witnessed middle-aged men standing up and shouting and swearing directly at him. This was before the match had kicked off for both the first and second halves; it was not in response to a contentious decision.
The club’s Unacceptable Conduct Policy defines the use of “abusive or insulting words” as disorderly conduct. However this policy does not appear to be enforced. I did not see security staff take any action. They could simply have approached individuals and requested that they comply with the club’s policy.
The club must have known in advance that Mr Ross was officiating and security staff could have been briefed for this eventuality in advance.
Perhaps the polarisation of politics over recent years including the rhetoric of the SNP, whose leaders frequently characterise “Tories” as evil, has led to such behaviour being considered acceptable. I would argue it devalues our society and we should aim to treat those with whom we disagree with courtesy and respect. Beyond that, behaviour which could lead to arrest, had it taken place in the High Street, can in no way be considered acceptable at a sporting venue attended by families with children.
George Rennie
Inverness
Wagamama on its way to the city?
Restaurant chain Wagamama, which concentrates on Asian flavours, said it would “love” to open a branch in Inverness after being asked about rumours its arrival was imminent. Not quite a cast-iron commitment the possibility still split opinion.
“It’s about time Inverness got a new restaurant especially after losing all of the good eating areas in Eastgate... Wagamama is brilliant, cannot wait.” – John L Dunnett, Thurso
“No more big chain catering when excellent small restaurants in Huntly Street and around the Premier Inn are struggling to survive.” – Christopher Perry, Beverley
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