“We’re living in the dark ages, what are we doing in Scotland? Wake up”
Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke responded to alleged sectarian abuse in Wednesday’s Scottish Cup game at Rangers by launching a scathing attack on the footballing culture north of the border.
The Gers came out 5-0 winners in a one-sided fifth round replay but the match was marred by claims that Clarke was called a “Fenian bastard” by sections of the Ibrox faithful.
The term is considered a derogatory slur aimed at Irish Catholics, with the Killie boss claiming that its use in Scotland is one of the reasons behind him previously turning down the Rangers job.
He told his post-match press conference: “They are not allowed to racially abuse my assistant [Alex Dyer] but they can call me a Fenian bastard. That’s correct? Is that correct? What are we doing in Scotland?!
“Nice to be back in the west of Scotland, really nice.
“When I was approached by Rangers about taking over the job here, I was assured that we don’t have that in the west of Scotland any more… ha!”
Steve Clarke 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/CNUiuaIBVl
— Mary (@Mc1988) February 20, 2019
Much of the Scot’s career has taken place in England, particularly as a player and later assistant coach at Chelsea, and Clarke insisted that he would never receive such attacks while working in London.
“We’re living in the dark ages, what are we doing in Scotland? Wake up,” the 55-year-old, who earned six caps for Scotland as a player, continued.
“I wake up every morning and thank Chelsea for taking me away from the west of Scotland because my children don’t understand this.
“They don’t have anything to do with this. So thankfully when I go down there my children don’t have to worry about this. It’s lovely being back in the west of Scotland.”
Rangers have responded to the incident by stating: “[Rangers] wish to make it clear that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated at Ibrox. Everything possible will be done to eradicate this kind of behaviour.”
The Scottish FA are yet to respond to the allegations, having so far failed to investigate Kris Boyd’s claims that he was subject to sectarian abuse during Kilmarnock’s recent defeat to Celtic, in which the striker was hit by a coin while warming up.
