St Johnstone midfielder Cammy MacPherson has issued an apology after sharing a video by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The incident has caused controversy among the club’s fans and has led to MacPherson facing disciplinary action from new club owner Adam Webb.
The video in question featured Robinson repeating false claims about a refugee that had resulted in him losing a libel case in 2021. After facing backlash on social media, MacPherson removed the retweet and made his profile private.
Initially, the club stated that they had dealt with the matter internally and would not be making any further comment. However, in an open letter to supporters, Webb revealed that MacPherson’s actions violated the club’s rules of conduct and would not be tolerated.
MacPherson, in a statement on the club’s website, expressed his regret for reposting the film without considering the club’s code of conduct. He acknowledged the impact of his actions and expressed his commitment to learning from the experience.
In response to the incident, Webb announced that the club has strengthened their rules of conduct. He emphasized that St Johnstone is a club that is open to all and stated that MacPherson’s contrition is genuine, viewing it as an unintentional lapse of judgment. Webb expressed his desire to move on from the episode, highlighting that MacPherson has learned a valuable lesson.
This incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of professional athletes on social media. While individuals have the right to express their opinions, they must also be mindful of the impact their actions may have on their team, club, and fans. MacPherson’s apology and willingness to learn from the experience demonstrate a sense of accountability, which is crucial in maintaining a positive image for both the player and the club.
Furthermore, this incident highlights the need for clubs to have clear guidelines and rules of conduct in place to prevent similar situations from arising in the future. By strengthening their rules, St Johnstone is taking a proactive approach to ensure that their players understand the importance of representing the club in a responsible and respectful manner.
In conclusion, Cammy MacPherson’s retweet of a video by far-right activist Tommy Robinson has caused controversy within St Johnstone. The midfielder has since apologized and is facing disciplinary action. The club’s new owner, Adam Webb, has emphasized the importance of adhering to the club’s rules of conduct and has expressed his desire to move on from the incident. This serves as a reminder of the responsibilities athletes have on social media and the need for clubs to have clear guidelines in place.