Sidebar

18
Thu, Apr
24 New Articles

Typography

St Johnstone hitman Jason Scotland felt he had responded in the best possible way to the "awful" racist abuse he received from Motherwell fans.

About a dozen supporters in Fir Park's main stand twice indulged in abuse when Scotland had possession in the opening stages of the Perth side's 2-1 Tennent's Scottish Cup quarter-final victory on Wednesday.

They were reprimanded by the vast majority of Well fans around them and did not repeat the abuse after police and stewards were alerted.

Scotland then made them suffer with the second goal in the First Division side's thoroughly-deserved victory.

The Trinidad & Tobago international was elevated to national celebrity status last summer as he was the closest Scotland came to the World Cup.

He even had a song written about him that reached the UK Top 40 as his country prepared to take on England.

But he admitted he had been upset by his experience, saying: "That's the first time it has happened to me.

"Obviously I am disappointed because when I played in the World Cup I carried Scotland on my back. And to play in Scotland and get that kind of abuse is just awful.

"To be fair I really didn't take it on, I was just playing my normal game.

"I was just delighted to score the goal that put us in the semi-final.

"I probably heard it but I didn't really pay any attention. The best way to react is with that goal and let my football do the talking."

The former Dundee United striker, who had to leave Tannadice when his work permit application was rejected, feels Saints have a chance of making the final.

With victories over Rangers, Dundee United and Falkirk also under their belts this season, Scotland does not fear Celtic, Hibernian or Dunfermline.

The 28-year-old said: "We played against top teams in the past and we have done well so we fancy our chances against anyone.

"We are delighted to play in the semi-final and play in a big occasion and hopefully put in a big performance.

"People can say all kind of stuff about St Johnstone, that they will batter us, but this was a good result and at St Johnstone we let our football do the talking."

Motherwell boss Maurice Malpas hit out at his side's attitude and performance.

Peter MacDonald gave the visitors a deserved 20th-minute lead and the First Division side had countless chances after Scotland's 72nd-minute header.

Ross McCormack pulled one back with five minutes left and David Clarkson then had a decent penalty shout that referee Mike McCurry appeared to think twice about.

But Well were not worthy of a replay as they struggled to create chances and nullify the Saints attack all night.

Malpas said: "We never did enough to win the game. St Johnstone deserved to go through and it hurts me to say that.

"I wasn't happy with our performance and the manner we went about our business was wrong."