My son who lives in Glasgow and is a close follower of Scottish football has this to say about Sean Clare: 'I have to say, I think it’s a fantastic signing. Showed real potential in the SPL last year and whilst he’s clearly raw I think some of the ambiguity from the Hearts' fans towards him can be put down to the fact he’s quite an outspoken young black man who is not afraid to raise his voice against social injustice. Very excited to see what he can do. Could prove to be a real bargain!'
Sorry but that is absolute nonsense. The reason for Hearts fans ambiguity is that he started off playing really bad.
Perhaps this was because he was forced into the team too early when still injured, he was put into a number of positions by a clueless manager in Levein and he simply didn't seem to be trying hard enough. Whether his fault or not, THIS is why he got pelters from fans, not any other reason.
Regardless of the abuse he got early on, he kept his head up and last season he started coming into his game and looked very promising at right back and right mid. Good pace, exceptional penalty taker and good from range. Hearts supporters quickly came around and gave him the praise he deserved.
I am a Hearts fan and I simply must dispell that utter nonsense you said. I (and many other Jambos) am hugely appreciative of Sean being outspoken for civil rights and social issues. Regardless of how he played over his spell at Tynecastle, I am proud he was a Hearts player because he is a smart young man with his head screwed on and he's using his voice to be a positive role model. I am sad to see him go because Scottish football (as a whole) needs more voices like his.
He was getting abuse from fans well over a year before he began using his platform to comment on black lives matter stuff. It was purely his performance on the pitch. Nothing more.
It all sounds like typical Celtic exceptionalism, as if every team's fans are racist except their own. As if Celtic are some bastion of left wing moral value. I can tell you that I've encountered just as much racism at Celtic as I have at Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen, St Mirren, Dundee or anywhere else. It's not an issue exclusive to our club.
Frankly, how dare you level such a completely uncalled for, unfair and factually inaccurate accusation at Hearts support considering the overwhelming majority of supporters of any club, including us, AREN'T racist and are completely normal mature people. I suspect you know that though and were just having a dig. Tribalism. Football fans can't help themselves.
Anyway, you have a promising young player on your hands. He struggled with confidence and a clearly unstable environment, but here's hoping he can kick on and do the business for your lot.
