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Jamie Robson
Jamie Robson holds up signs advertising sun glasses and bracelets with the slogans ‘Buy 1 get 5 free’ and ‘Cheap as chips!’ while blacked up at a fancy dress party.
Jamie Robson holds up signs advertising sun glasses and bracelets with the slogans ‘Buy 1 get 5 free’ and ‘Cheap as chips!’ while blacked up at a fancy dress party.

Jamie Robson disciplined by Dundee United for blacking up at players’ party

This article is more than 5 years old
Robson appeared to mimic a beach salesman at social event
Player will have to undertake inclusion and diversity training

Dundee United’s Jamie Robson will undertake inclusion and diversity training after it emerged the player blacked up at a weekend fancy dress party. In photographs released on social media, Robson appeared to mimic a beach salesman.

The 20-year-old left-back has been punished by the Scottish Championship club in accordance with their disciplinary procedures, which it is understood did not extend to sacking Robson. For now, he is training with United’s youth team.

“Dundee United can confirm Jamie Robson has been disciplined in relation to his actions at a players’ social event earlier this month,” said a club statement. “As a club, we have high standards concerning the behaviour and actions of our staff, and on this occasion, Jamie has fallen short of these expected standards.

“Dundee United is also fully committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity. The player’s actions were potentially offensive and with, the club’s support, he will undertake some diversity and inclusion training.”

Robson’s outfit included an umbrella hat, black leggings and a hi-vis vest. He also carried cardboard signs advertising sun glasses and bracelets with the slogans “Buy 1 get 5 free” and “Cheap as chips!”.

“I fully accept the naivety of my actions and can see that my actions fall short of what is expected by a professional footballer,” Robson said. “As soon as I became aware that I could offend, I took immediate action and removed both the make-up and costume. I want to apologise for any offence I have caused, and I have also apologised to the club for not adhering to the standards expected.”

The charity Show Racism the Red Card, which United and Robson have previously endorsed, earlier condemned the player’s actions. “The practice of blackface has always had the potential to offend but in the past there was no societal voice for those who would have found it offensive,” said a spokesman. “Show Racism the Red Card would argue that these practices caricature and portray or glamorise differences which could lead to discrimination.”

A year ago, the then-Hearts striker Cole Stockton apologised after he blacked up as the A Team character Mr T at a party. Stockton left the Edinburgh club the following month.

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