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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

SPFL player apologises for sharing Tommy Robinson video on social media

St Johnstone have written an open letter to supporters amid Cameron MacPherson's controversial social media share - and promised that the player will be disciplined appropriately. 

The 25-year-old retweeted a video from renowned far-right activist, Tommy Robinson, in which it repeats false claims he made about a refugee.

However, once people spotted where MacPherson’s views stood, he swiftly removed the retweet and switched his account from ‘public’ to ‘private’.  

Fans of the Perth club were left outraged as screenshots began to circle, and demanded the midfielder was removed from their squad. 

Now the St Johnstone owner, Adam Webb, has declared further details of the disciplinary case citing a violation of the club's rules of conduct.

Although, upon the player giving his perspective, the US tycoon believes MacPherson will learn harsh lessons from the severe error of judgement.

"To the supporters of St Johnstone FC," a statement began.

"The recent actions of Cammy MacPherson violated standard provisions in all player contracts and St Johnstone's rules of conduct to which all players must agree. Such actions are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Cammy is subject to disciplinary action pursuant to these policies. 


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"We have reminded all players of our rules of conduct and we have strengthened the rules further to ensure that no player is empowered to distract the club and antagonise any of our supporters, whether or not such offence is intentional.

"On the other hand, I have now heard Cammy's explanation for the mistake that he made. This was an unintentional lapse of judgment, and not an intentional effort to harm or disparage anyone.

“I can assure you Cammy understands and agrees that this is a club that is open to all. His contrition is real and he has learned a valuable lesson. But we must not let ourselves get carried away; a young man's life and career are at stake.

"I apologise to all Saints fans for this distraction. We have important work to do, on the pitch and off. We must work together or we have no chance. Adam Webb."


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Reflecting on his actions, MacPherson took responsibility for his actions and insisted that he understood the backlash - even if he claims his intentions never meant to cause any harm.

"I would like to start by apologising for reposting a film that appeared on my X account," the under-fire St Johnstone man said.

"I have shown poor judgement without considering the club's code of conduct.

"Upon reflection, and my own further research, I fully understand why people have been so upset and angry regarding this situation.

"I have the greatest respect for St Johnstone FC, for my team-mates and for our supporters. I know the club is and always will be a club for everyone. A club and an environment where I am immensely proud to be involved.

"I’d like to thank my team-mates and family for their unwavering support for me in what has been a challenging time this past week.

"I have now fully understood the impact of my actions and I am committed to learning from this experience. Cammy."

Craig Levein was asked about the situation which has put a dark cloud over his team in recent days, but the St Johnstone manager was in no mood to discuss the matter ahead of the league clash against Kilmarnock on Sunday. 

“I’m not commenting on the situation,” he said.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Apologies, but that’s my approach this morning. I don’t want to get into it.”

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