Jim Goodwin responds to Dundee United fan fury after 'one or two things were said' in heated punter exchange

Jim Goodwin has told Dundee United’s players and coaching staff they have to accept fury from fans when the team suffers dismal defeats.

The travelling support vented their anger on Saturday as the Terrors slumped to a humiliating 1-0 loss to SPFL new boys The Spartans at Ainslie Park in the Viaplay Cup. A video clip of United coach and former playing legend Dave Bowman involved in a fiery verbal exchange with punters went viral.

Tannadice boss Goodwin admitted fans are entitled to their opinion but he urged them to stick by the team as he continues his rebuilding job following last season’s relegation from the Premiership. The Irishman stated: “I totally understand the fans’ frustration and disappointment. Emotions are obviously high after the game and one or two things were said. That’s obviously something we don’t want. But the fans are always entitled to voice their opinion, positive or negative.

“As players and staff we just have to accept the criticism that comes our way. We deserve it when we don’t win in those types of games, so you expect it.

“The message to the fans is we’re all doing our best, we’re very much still a work-in-progress and it’s early days. We all wanted to start the season on a positive note after the difficulties of last season but unfortunately we didn’t do enough to win the game.”

United have a quickfire opportunity to make amends with their long-suffering fans when they play Partick Thistle at Tannadice tonight in their next Viaplay group stage game. Goodwin admitted: “The beauty of this competition is that you can sometimes afford to start off with a bad result and still get out of the group.

“That’s what we’re aiming to do and we have an opportunity tomorrow night to put things