Tag: Sport

‘Sheer, naked greed’

England’s ‘Big Six’ clubs set to break from Premier League as new Super League is set up

Twelve of Europe’s biggest football clubs – six of them from England – have announced they have agreed to establish a new mid-week competition, the Super League, governed by its Founding Clubs.

The announcement has been met with fury by the football authorities, football clubs and fans groups.

AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the ‘Super League’ as Founding Clubs. It is anticipated that a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable.

Going forward, the Founding Clubs look forward to holding discussions with UEFA and FIFA to work together in partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the new League and for football as a whole.

The formation of the Super League comes at a time when the global pandemic has accelerated the instability in the existing European football economic model.

Further, for a number of years, the Founding Clubs have had the objective of improving the quality and intensity of existing European competitions throughout each season, and of creating a format for top clubs and players to compete on a regular basis.

The pandemic has shown that a strategic vision and a sustainable commercial approach are required to enhance value and support for the benefit of the entire European football pyramid. In recent months extensive dialogue has taken place with football stakeholders regarding the future format of European competitions.

The Founding Clubs believe the solutions proposed following these talks do not solve fundamental issues, including the need to provide higher-quality matches and additional financial resources for the overall football pyramid.



Competition Format

  • 20 participating clubs with 15 Founding Clubs and a qualifying mechanism for a further five teams to qualify annually based on achievements in the prior season.
  • Midweek fixtures with all participating clubs continuing to compete in their respective national leagues, preserving the traditional domestic match calendar which remains at the heart of the club game.
  • An August start with clubs participating in two groups of ten, playing home and away fixtures, with the top three in each group automatically qualifying for the quarter finals. Teams finishing fourth and fifth will then compete in a two-legged play-off for the remaining quarter-final positions. A two-leg knockout format will be used to reach the final at the end of May, which will be staged as a single fixture at a neutral venue.

As soon as practicable after the start of the men’s competition, a corresponding women’s league will also be launched, helping to advance and develop the women’s game.

The new annual tournament will provide significantly greater economic growth and support for European football via a long-term commitment to uncapped solidarity payments which will grow in line with league revenues.

These solidarity payments will be substantially higher than those generated by the current European competition and are expected to be in excess of €10 billion during the course of the initial commitment period of the Clubs. In addition, the competition will be built on a sustainable financial foundation with all Founding Clubs signing up to a spending framework.

In exchange for their commitment, Founding Clubs will receive an amount of €3.5 billion solely to support their infrastructure investment plans and to offset the impact of the COVID pandemic.

Florentino Pérez, President Real Madrid CF and the first Chairman of the Super League said: “We will help football at every level and take it to its rightful place in the world.

“Football is the only global sport in the world with more than four billion fans and our responsibility as big clubs is to respond to their desires.”

Backing the new European league, Andrea Agnelli, Chairman of Juventus and Vice-Chairman of the Super League said: “Our 12 Founder clubs represent billions of fans across the globe and 99 European trophies.

“We have come together at this critical moment, enabling European competition to be transformed, putting the game we love on a sustainable footing for the long-term future, substantially increasing solidarity, and giving fans and amateur players a regular flow of headline fixtures that will feed their passion for the game while providing them with engaging role models.”

Joel Glazer, Co-Chairman of Manchester United and Vice-Chairman of the Super League said: “By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.”

The football authorities have responded with their own joint statement:

UEFA, the English Football Association and the Premier League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Lega Serie A have learned that a few English, Spanish and Italian clubs may be planning to announce their creation of a closed, so-called Super League.

If this were to happen, we wish to reiterate that we – UEFA, the English FA, RFEF, FIGC, the Premier League, LaLiga, Lega Serie A, but also FIFA and all our member associations – will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs at a time when society needs solidarity more than ever.

‘We will consider all measures available to us, at all levels, both judicial and sporting in order to prevent this happening. Football is based on open competitions and sporting merit; it cannot be any other way.

‘As previously announced by FIFA and the six Confederations, the clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.

‘We thank those clubs in other countries, especially the French and German clubs, who have refused to sign up to this. We call on all lovers of football, supporters and politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project if it were to be announced.

‘This persistent self-interest of a few has been going on for too long. Enough is enough.‘

Fans of the six English Premier League clubs have condemned the move.

Liverpool FC Supporters Union said: “Embarrasing. As fan representatives we are appalled & completely oppose this decision.

“(Liverpool owners) FSG have ignored fans in their relentless and greedy pursuit of money. Football is ours not theirs. Our football club is ours not theirs. We will respond fully to this statement in due course.”

The Football Supporters’ Association said in a statement: “The FSA is totally opposed to the proposals which seek to create a breakaway ‘European Superleague.

“The motivation behind this so-called superleague is not furthering sporting merit or nurturing the world’s game – it is motivated by nothing but cynical greed.

“This competition is being created behind our backs by billionaire club owners who have zero regard for the game’s traditions and continue to treat football as their personal fiefdom.

“The FSA, and no doubt supporters across the continent, will continue to fight against its creation.”

Scottish Cup ties rescheduled

The Scottish Cup continues apace this weekend, as the Fourth Round kicks off with a bumper Friday night feast, with three ties this evening.

The 16 competing clubs have the carrot of knowing who their potential opponents would be in the Fifth Round if they emerge victorious, with the Fifth Round ties having already been drawn due to the competition’s condensed schedule this season.

St. Mirren and Inverness get the weekend underway at 6pm this evening, in a match where the home side will go in as favourites, being unbeaten in their last four matches against Inverness.

Inverness will be hoping to upset the odds however, and as a side on form will be confident in their ability to do so, having defeated their Highland rivals Ross County in the last round. The tie’s winners have the prospect of a trip to Kilmarnock or Montrose ahead of them.

Motherwell host Greenock Morton at 7pm, with the victors set to travel to either Stranraer or Queen of the South in the subsequent round.

Motherwell will be high on confidence having thumped Formartine United 5-0 in the previous round and will be aware that the competitive record is on their side: Motherwell are unbeaten in their last 19 matches against Greenock Morton at Fir Park in all competitions (W16 D3), while Morton’s last win in Motherwell came in August 1970.

Greenock Morton needed extra time to see off East Fife in the last round and have not beaten top flight opposition in the Scottish Cup since January 2008, when they beat Gretna 3-0 at Palmerston.

Friday’s televised match sees Dundee United travel to Forfar Athletic, live on BBC Scotland at 7.45pm. This will be the first competitive meeting of Forfar Athletic and Dundee United since March 1987, when United beat the Loons 2-0 at Station Park in a Scottish Cup quarter-final, following a 2-2 draw at Tannadice.

History is against Forfar Athletic, who have only reached the Scottish Cup quarter-final five times in their history, most recently in 2001/02, while they have only ever recorded one victory over top flight opposition in the Scottish Cup – a 2-0 victory over Falkirk in 1910/11.

The action continues on Saturday, first with Kilmarnock hosting Montrose at 11.45am in the first competitive meeting of the two clubs since April 1992, when Killie won 1-0 at Rugby Park in the old Division One.

Kilmarnock are aiming to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for just the fifth time since they won the competition back in 1997, while Montrose are striving to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1975/76, and for just the fifth time ever.

St. Johnstone host Clyde at 5.30pm in what will be just the third time the two sides have ever met in the Scottish Cup and their first meeting since back in 1938/39, when Clyde won 2-0 at Shawfield Park.

St Johnstone have not lost a Scottish Cup tie to a team outside the top two tiers since January 2006, when they were beaten 1-0 by Gretna. Clyde are aiming to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2004/05, the only time in the last 32 years that they have made the last eight.

Saturday’s televised match also kicks off at 5.30pm, with Aberdeen v Livingston live on Premier Sports.

Although Livingston hold the advantage in Scottish Cup ties, with three victories to one, Aberdeen are unbeaten in their last 16 Scottish Cup matches at Pittodrie, their last defeat coming against Raith Rovers in February 2010.

Livingston are aiming to reach the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2004/05, with a home tie against Forfar Athletic or Dundee United awaiting them should they be triumphant.

The first of two televised matches on Sunday kicks off at 12.15pm, with Stranraer hosting Hibs live on BBC One. History is very much on the side of Hibs, with Stranraer’s last Scottish Cup win over top flight opposition coming back in February 1973, when they defeated St Johnstone 2-1 at Muirton Park.

This is just the second time Stranraer and Hibernian have been drawn together in the Scottish Cup – the previous tie in 2001/02 saw Hibs win 4-0 at Easter Road after a 0-0 draw at Stair Park. It will be the tenth competitive meeting of the two sides in total, with the Blues having won just one of the previous nine, a 2-1 win at Easter Road in Division 1 in August 1998.

The action concludes at 3pm on Sunday with the eagerly-anticipated Rangers v Celtic derby bringing the weekend to a close, live on Premier Sports.

This will be the first Scottish Cup meeting of the old rivals at Ibrox since January 2011, when the sides drew 2-2 before Celtic won the replay 1-0 at Celtic Park.

Celtic have won five of their last six Scottish Cup ties against Rangers – the Light Blues’ only victory in this period came in a penalty shoot-out in the 2015/16 semi-final.

With the home side having already wrapped up their first league title in a decade, Rangers now set their sights on completing a league and Scottish Cup double for the first time since 2008/09. Celtic, however, will be determined to end the season with silverware and defend the trophy they have won for the past four consecutive seasons.

Scottish Cup Fourth Round Fixtures:

Friday, 16 April

St. Mirren v Inverness Caledonian Thistle; kick-off 6pm

Motherwell v Greenock Morton; kick-off 7pm

Forfar Athletic v Dundee United; kick-off 7.45pm (live on BBC Scotland)

Saturday, 17 April

Kilmarnock v Montrose; kick-off 11.45am

St. Johnstone v Clyde; kick-off 5.30pm

Aberdeen v Livingston; kick-off 5.30pm (live on Premier Sports)

Sunday, 18 April

Stranraer v Hibernian; kick-off 12.15pm (live on BBC One)

Rangers v Celtic; kick-off 3pm (live on Premier Sports).

120th anniversary of first ever Scotland women’s international hockey match

Yesterday marked the 120th anniversary of the first ever Scotland women’s international hockey match, when they took to the pitch to play Ireland on 13 April 1901.

The Ireland women’s team challenged Scotland to the match, and the Scotland women’s team, as early hockey tourists, took the field for the first time at Milltown, Dublin, and lost 2-0, a respectable score.

The Scottish team two days later defeated the hitherto unbeaten Leinster Ladies 2-1. These intrepid boat-travelling hockey tourists were truly pioneers in every sense of the word. Thus international hockey was launched, with all of the Home Countries being played the following year.

The Scottish Women’s Hockey Association was formed in February 1900 at a meeting held in Edinburgh attended by eight women’s hockey clubs.

The association quickly grew to eleven clubs and chose its first national team to take on Ireland, taking on the condition that the match be held in Dublin.

The first Scottish team was almost entirely made up of players from St Leonards School.

Reports from the first match against Ireland describe great conditions and a large crowd to watch the contest. Scotland wore dark purple frieze skirts and paler blouses with thistle badges.

The Scots held their own against a clearly well practiced Irish side. Ireland began to press as the game went on, and prompted some good saves by Simson in goal for Scotland.

Scotland won two corners but couldn’t convert either of them, however the same couldn’t be said for Ireland who dispatched a corner to make it 1-0 at half time.

A late press by Ireland brought the second goal and a 2-0 win.

In the second contest when they faced Leinster days later, the Scotland team hit its stride and put in a fine performance. Scotland’s captain J. K. Stewart scored both goals in a 2-1 win for Scotland, ensuring a place in history as Scotland’s first ever captain and goal scorer.

In 1902 Scotland defeated Wales 4-0 at Wrexham and then played their first matches on home soil, drawing 0-0 with Ireland in Glasgow and being beaten by England 4-0 in Edinburgh.

The pattern of annual matches began, lasting until the early 1990’s when England withdrew from these annual fixtures.

First ever Scotland squad

M. Simson (GK)

M. Harvey

H. Moir

I. Shaw

F. Todd

Miss Littlejohn

E. Wedgwood

E. Lindesay

D. Rutherford

J.K. Stewart (Captain)

D. Robertson

Ida Stewart

J. Hutchison

Ireland squad

Misses Cotter

Sealy

Atthill

Boyd

Hon. K. Prittie

J Boyd (Captain)

Fottrell

Parr

M. Obre

L. Knox

Clarke

Sanitising Your Golf Equipment

As lockdown measures ease, more golfers are preparing to get back out on the course – but it is essential that care is still taken before teeing off. Not only should we continue to observe social distancing but making sure golf clubs and equipment are cleaned to prevent the spreading of germs is vital.

Eager to help prevent spreading of the Covid-19 virus, experts at GolfSupport.com have provided tips on the best ways to clean golf equipment:

1. Golf club heads

After a long day at the course, your golf clubs are bound to collect dirt and debris. Follow these simple steps to keep them sparkling and germ-free:

  1. Add 2-3 teaspoons of dishwasher liquid or soap to a bucket of warm water (enough to cover the club heads). Ensure it isn’t hot, as this may loosen the club head from the shaft.
  2. Submerge dirty club heads into the water for 5-10 minutes to loosen any dirt.
  3. Remove each club one-by-one and use an old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt, ensuring you catch the back, front, bottom and each individual groove.
  4. Run the cleaned club heads under water to wash away any remnants, avoiding getting the shaft and grips wet.
  5. Dry with a towel. Ensure nothing is left damp as this is when rust can develop.
  6. To give club heads an extra shine, gently rub in steel or chrome polish in circular motions and leave for a minute. Then ensure you remove all the polish – any remaining grease could negatively affect your game!

2. Golf club shafts
Golf club shafts can also be prone to dirt. To remove dirt, use a damp cloth and clear any grime from the shaft, drying it thoroughly with a towel afterwards.

If your club becomes rusty: 

According to a study by End of Tenancy London, vinegar comes out on top for the best multi-use disinfectant. So why not utilise it for your golf clubs too? Apply a little vinegar on the shaft with a cloth and gently remove any residue, ensuring you don’t scratch it. Finish by drying thoroughly.

3. Golf club grips

Golf grips are the most touched area of the club and can easily get dirty/worn from sweat, so they require regular cleaning.

Clean golf club grips after each session by using a damp cloth to wipe the entire grip’s surface, ensuring it isn’t too hot as this could damage it.

4. Golf balls

During a typical 18-hole round, golf balls are battered, beaten and subjected to all the elements. Not to mention the hundreds of tiny dimples that are experts at finding dirt.

Dirty golf balls can affect your game more than you’d think! Add soap, dishwasher liquid or our trusty friend vinegar (for a deeper clean) to a bucket of warm water and soak the balls for 15-20 minutes. If necessary, use a sponge and/or toothbrush to remove dirt that won’t budge. Don’t forget to dry them fully with a towel.

5. Golf bags and club head covers

Whilst unconfirmed and still a matter of debate, the coronavirus could live on clothing and canvas materials for up to two days. Remove this risk by cleaning your golf bags and club head covers as follows:

  1. Remove all contents from the bag/clubs from their covers.
  2. Depending on the material, lightly spray water all over the surfaces.
  3. Using a soap and warm water solution, scrub the bag and covers clean with a cloth. Be careful not to scrub too hard – you may damage the material.
  4. Use a hose to rinse/run them under clean water and assess for any further stains.
  5. Remove any stubborn stains by spraying with a stain remover, then allow them to rest. Gently scrub it if required.
  6. Once clean, allow the bag/covers to dry overnight – avoid leaving them to dry in the sun as this can discolour them.



6. Golf clothing

To clean dirty golf clothing, simply run them through the washing machine after each session. However, for clothes that smell or are particularly dirty, consider:

  • Avoiding using fabric softeners – they stop the odours and sweat from being washed out, in fact locking in the smell for your next practice.
  • Adding baking soda to laundry – one cup per wash deodorises and softens clothes.

We hope these tips on cleaning golf equipment can help avid golfers enjoy the wonderful sport whilst preventing the spread of coronavirus!

https://www.golfsupport.com/

Supporters WILL attend Hampden Park EURO 2020 matches

The Scottish FA has welcomed confirmation from UEFA that Hampden Park will be able to host its four EURO 2020 matches with supporters in attendance.

The LOS Glasgow submission of a maximum 25% capacity for the national stadium (approximately 12,000 supporters under the EURO 2020 stadium configuration) has now been approved.

Plans for a Fan Zone in the city are also still under consideration with a decision anticipated at the end of the month.

The announcement is the culmination of a significant period of partnership work undertaken by the Scottish FA, Glasgow Life (on behalf of Glasgow City Council) and the Scottish Government, along with fellow LOS Glasgow members, Police Scotland and Visit Scotland.

Rod Petrie, Chair of LOS Glasgow and Scottish FA President: “We are thankful to UEFA for recognising the efforts of our LOS Glasgow partners in establishing a safe and manageable way in which supporters can attend the three group matches and Round of 16 tie at Hampden Park.

“I am also grateful to the Scottish Ministers and clinical experts for their assistance and ultimate approval in signing-off on the proposal that has today been endorsed by UEFA.

“An enormous amount of effort has gone into the submission but also in ensuring Glasgow and Hampden Park is ready to welcome supporters, not least with Scotland having secured qualification.

“We acknowledge UEFA’s timeline for ticket returns and will communicate updates to Scotland fans at those key dates.”

UEFA will be issuing an email to all ticket holders shortly to advise on the returns process for those fans who decide not to travel and next steps.

UEFA’s announcement

Edinburgh prominent on prestigious National Tennis Awards shortlist

The hard work and commitment of Edinburgh’s tennis community has been acknowledged by the sport’s national governing body which has selected a local university, club and residents as finalists for four of the most coveted awards in Scottish tennis.

Heather Hooker has been shortlisted for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award which honours individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to tennis for more than 30 years.

Heather’s (above, right) involvement in tennis began at secondary school and continued when she joined the WRAF aged 17 where she played in inter-station competitions.

Heather subsequently joined Craigmillar Park TC in 1983 and has since become an asset to the club. Throughout 2020, she took the opportunity to revamp the clubhouse and surrounding grounds to provide a welcoming environment as tennis returned to the community.

Meanwhile, Heather’s club Craigmillar Park TC has earned a place on the Club of the Year shortlist as a result of demonstrating outstanding community links and growth in 2020.

Clive Minshull, member of fellow Edinburgh club Meadows City TC, has been shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year Award which recognises an outstanding voluntary contribution made to inspire others to participate in the sport.

Acknowledging innovative attempts to ensure students of all abilities could continue to develop throughout lockdown in 2020, the University of Edinburgh received shortlisting for the highly desired Education Award.

The shortlist for the Tennis Scotland Awards 2021 has been unveiled to recognise the contribution of individuals, clubs, programmes and competitions which played a key role in helping tennis to thrive last year as participation continued to grow across the nation.

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “The response of the tennis community played a pivotal role in enabling the safe resumption of tennis in 2020. This year, more than ever before, it feels important to acknowledge exceptional contributions which are being made within our sport.”

“The Tennis Scotland Awards provide the perfect platform to celebrate the success stories of the year. With nominations of a particularly high standard, each shortlisted nominee should be very proud of their achievement.”

In total, 27 nominees have been announced across 10 separate categories, with the eventual winners subsequently securing a place at the LTA British Tennis Awards. Winners of the Tennis Scotland Awards will be announced online on the 23rd of April, with a ceremony to be held at a later date.

Among the winners last year was Yvonne Birnie who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding services to Rothiemurchus and Aviemore Tennis Club.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s number-one ranked women’s player, Maia Lumsden, earned the International Player of the Year Award, whilst the 12U Boys North County Cup Team received recognition for magnificent performances and team spirit which secured their title of Team of the Year.

The full shortlist of finalists can be viewed here: 

https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/in-your-area/tennis-scotland/news/2021/march-2021/tennis-scotland-award-shortlist-2021/

For learn more about the Tennis Scotland Awards, please visit 

www.tennisscotland.org 

or follow @TennisScotland on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Rangers row moves into extra time

The row over the behaviour of Rangers fans celebrating their Scottish Premiership title win and flouting coronavirus laws rumbled on today.

Before delivering the latest coronavirus figures, Deputy First Minister Mr Swinney said: “I have to address yesterday’s events in Glasgow.

“All of us recognise that winning the league was a special moment for Rangers Football Club – and before I say more I want to congratulate the club on their success and thank all those fans who celebrated at home, and who followed the rules. 

“But the behaviour of some fans has been an absolute disgrace, and has undoubtedly cast a shadow over what should have been a special day for the team.

“The success that we’ve have had in recent weeks in reducing case numbers is because so many people across Scotland have stuck to extremely tough rules, which are designed to prevent the spread of the virus between different households.

“To see so many people deliberately flouting these rules with no regard for the safety of others, is shameful. Events like yesterday risk spreading the virus.

“And they show no regard or respect at all for the millions of households across Scotland who have been sticking to the rules – who haven’t been able to meet up with friends and families, to fully celebrate birthdays and other milestones, or in some cases to attend funeral services of their loved ones.

“The Government and Police Scotland reminded Rangers of the need for the club to advice fans to adhere to the current restrictions in discussions on 26 February and 5 March. It is a matter of profound regret that that did not happen.   

“The Scottish Government will be making our extreme disappointment at the lack of leadership clear to the team management, and we will be speaking to all the authorities about what further assurance they can give to us ahead of future planned games.

“I also understand that many people have questions as to the preparation for and the nature of the Policing that took place yesterday – and why they did not prevent people from gathering.

“I understand the anger of those living and working in the city centre at what they saw, and at what took place.

“Policing of such occasions requires difficult operational judgements to be arrived at by Police Scotland.

“The Justice Secretary has spoken to the Chief Constable and to Rangers FC, and will be doing so again – to understand why the events of yesterday took place as they did; what actions are now being taken to identify those responsible; and what more can be done to try to ensure we do not see repeats of those scenes at upcoming events.“

Rangers issued the following statement at lunchtime:

‘DURING the last number of weeks, Rangers can confirm that we initiated open dialogue with key stakeholders in relation to the possibility of us achieving a historic 55th league title.

‘We have proactively engaged with our local MP, the Justice Minister, the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the SPFL in relation to maintaining a cohesive message regarding public safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘We understand the jubilance of our support across the world who recognise this has been a historic year for the club.

‘Nevertheless, it has been of great frustration for all football fans across the world that they have not been able to watch their team within stadiums, especially for the loyal Rangers season-ticket holders who have stood by this football club through thick and thin in the last decade.

‘We reiterate the message from our manager, Steven Gerrard, who highlighted that fans should adhere to government guidelines – stay safe, socially distance and look after each other in this difficult time.

‘We are aware there is the possibility of more, significant milestones within this season, and we will continue to proactively engage with key stakeholders to maintain a cohesive message in relation to government guidance at this present time.

‘We look forward to further open dialogue with the government, police, SPFL and other key stakeholders.’

Police Scotland rowed in with another statement this evening:

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “The behaviour which we saw at the weekend was disgraceful and I utterly condemn the individuals who chose to completely disregard the coronavirus regulations, putting both the wider community and our officers at risk.

“I also strongly condemn the lack of support from Rangers Football Club over the messages we repeatedly asked them to put out to persuade fans not to go out celebrating and encourage those who did gather in large numbers to return home.

“We’ve been planning for the conclusion of the football season for some time since the league was allowed to resume and the sport is in a very privileged position given the restrictions seen across the country for almost a year.

“It was very clear through the lack of messaging that Rangers did not take seriously their responsibilities in terms of seeking to persuade their fans to celebrate safely and responsibly.

“I commend the officers who delivered a policing operation which was entirely consistent with our approach throughout this pandemic to maintain public safety and minimise disorder, disruption and damage to property.

“They did this faced with considerable danger, all of which was completely unnecessary and avoidable.

“Where large numbers of people gather at an unplanned event such as this we use established crowd control measures to ensure we are keeping the public safe and manage those who are refusing to disperse.

“We will work with football clubs, local authorities and the Scottish Government to ensure we do everything we can to persuade people that none of these scenes can be repeated as the football season continues.”

We’ve not heard the last of this …

Rangers fans ignore restrictions to celebrate title win

Glasgow faces COVID spike as fans take to the streets

Rangers fans flouted COVID guidelines and partied into the night as they celebrated their first Premiership title win in ten years yesterday.

Their actions have been roundly condemned, however, and it remains to be seen whether action will be taken against the Ibrox club or even the SFA.

Glasgow police were criticised for their lack of action as hundreds of fans congregated at Ibrox stadium and in George Square minutes after Celtic failed to beat Dundee United and conceded the league title to their rivals.

A ‘small number’ of supporters were arrested, but Police Scotland’s performance will be the subject of much discussion today.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, made his final statement of the evening at 8:56pm as celebrations continued. He said: “We are continuing to police the ongoing gathering of football supporters in George Square today.

“Officers have continued to move to enforcement where appropriate with a number of further arrests and additional fixed penalty notices for breaches of the coronavirus restrictions, minor incidents of disorder and the use of pyrotechnic devices.

“We are now asking people to disperse and make their way home.  For those not in attendance, please do not make your way to Glasgow City Centre.

“People should consider the public health impact of this gathering. For more information on the latest coronavirus guidelines please visit the Scottish Government website.”

Police appeals went unheeded, as did First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s.

Ms Sturgeon said on Twitter: “I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans.

“But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else. If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.” They didn’t.

Police Scotland issued an update at 9:30am this morning:

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “On Sunday, 7 March, 2021, a pre-planned policing operation was instigated after Rangers FC were confirmed as league champions.

“Despite the coronavirus regulations and the prohibition of gatherings, our officers were faced with a very difficult set of circumstances as many thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate across a number of different venues.

“Our priority was public safety and this included reducing the risk of disorder, road safety and effective crowd management among the complexities of a vociferous crowd. This included established crowd control measures to prevent serious disorder in multiple areas and protect the public.

“An appropriate policing response was in place throughout the day and officers continually engaged and encouraged compliance with coronavirus regulations.

“Over the course of the day a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some of which were as a result of intoxication.

“Where it was appropriate to do so officers moved to enforcement for a variety of offences including breaches of coronavirus regulations, acts of disorder, pyrotechnic use and a number of arrests for assaulting police officers and sectarian related breach of the peace.

“In total, 28 people were arrested and seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

“I am grateful to our officers who showed great commitment and professionalism throughout the course of the day, many of whom put their own health at risk during a challenging set of circumstances.”

Only 35 fans to face punishment? Given the pictures we’ve all seen Police Scotland’s attitude appears incredibly tolerant and will infuriate many people who have stuck to the rules throughout.

The First Minister has already expressed her frustration with football following previous misdemeanors, and has said that the sport is on a yellow card. With growing public anger over fans’ reckless behaviour will she now consider taking action?

There will be many ‘sair heids’ in Govan this morning, but yesterday’s scenes have also presented Govan’s MSP with her own headache. The First Minister was expected to announce a loosening of restrictions tomorrow, but following Sunday’s scenes this could now be under reconsideration.

While the Scottish government has praised ‘everyone’ for obeying guidelines since they were introduced at start of the pandemic, it’s very clear that a sizeable minority have continued to ignore guidelines and even break the law throughout – be that ignoring soocial distancing by gathering at school gates, families flouting travel restriction rules or simply a refusal to wear face masks.

Few will forget the picures of a packed Portobello promenade, The Meadows teeming with people or crowds in Princes Street Gardens. And now this.

There have been more than 7400 COVID deaths in Scotland but it seems that some people will never learn.

While Rangers have made no official comment on the scenes in Glasgow, manager Steven Gerrard told rangers.co.uk: “It is very difficult to put into words right now. I’m on a real, emotional high and it has been a journey that is not finished.

“There is more to come and the next thing for me, when you win, it is always about what is next, and I am so proud of the players first and foremost – they are the most important people inside the club.

“But they are not as important as the supporters – they are what makes this club and it is for them and we have been down at times, really low at times, but this is an incredible high.

“It has been an incredible journey we have been on and we deserve it. I would just like to thank the board for the support they have given me – each and every one of them – and everyone who has given me the backing to go and do the job I needed to do and everyone connected to the club who is here now deserve to enjoy this.”

When Hibernian won The Scottish Cup in 2016 Rangers were quick to condemn Hibs fans for running on to the pitch to celebrate their first victory in the tournament for 114 years.

‘Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time’, the Ibrox club said in a statement rushed out after the game.

No such rush to condemn this time round, however. Silence in Govan.

It really is a ‘funny old game’ …

Funding boost for Corstorphine Cougars

The City of Edinburgh Council and Corstorphine Cougars RFC is celebrating a £50,000.00 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust and the FCC Communities Foundation for a rugby pitch drainage project at Union Park.

Corstorphine Cougars Rugby Club lease two rugby pitches from the City of Edinburgh Council at Union Park in Carrick Knowe.

One of the pitches is floodlit to facilitate evening training sessions. The growth in playing numbers in recent years has meant that the pitch is regularly in demand 7 days a week.

The club’s success, notably in recruiting primary and secondary schoolchildren (girls and boys) and senior women players, has been undermined by poor drainage effectively making it unusable for long periods during the winter months.  

This funding will enable the installation of an environmentally sustainable drainage solution (SuDS) at the park. The project is planned to be completed in late March by Groundwater Dynamics using their patented EGRP technology. 

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener welcomed the news: “As a Council we are committed to promoting and supporting access to sport and physical wellbeing and this is a fantastic result for Union Park.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway to install the environmentally sustainable draining solution and seeing the pitches being enjoyed all year round.

“We will continue to work with sports clubs across the capital to look at how we can best manage facilities.”

Stewart Pilkington, Corstorphine Cougars RFC President, said: “We’ve been very successful in growing the club in the last few years.

“This project will be a game changer in improving the club’s training and playing facilities as we push forward with our development plans and continue to encourage participation in rugby in the west of Edinburgh. We are very grateful to each of the funders for their valuable contributions.”

SUEZ Communities Trust and FCC Communities Foundation each contributed £25,000 through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund to the £65,000 project.

Funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s North West Locality Community Grants Fund, the Scottish Rugby Union, Friends of Scottish Rugby and the rugby club itself made up the balance.

Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football: SFA issues ‘profound apology’

The board of the Scottish FA, having reviewed the final report of the Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football, wishes to reiterate its profound apology to those who have personal experience of sexual abuse in our national game.

Now that the final report has been published, we express our thanks to Martin Henry, the chair of the independent review, and his team, who for the past three years have dedicated themselves to this considerable and unprecedented undertaking.

They have produced a comprehensive review of non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football, provided recommendations that the game is implementing at all levels to ensure a safer future for young footballers, and, crucially, have given survivors a voice that was previously denied to them.

The personal testimony provided by those survivors is a tribute to their courage and while the final report makes difficult reading it is only by learning lessons from the past that we can we truly commit to the highest standards of wellbeing and protection for young people involved in Scottish football.

Today is a day for reflecting on an incomprehensible period in Scottish football’s history, and for ensuring the collective voice of the survivors is heard.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “As Chief Executive of the Scottish FA I am deeply upset by the contents of the final report into sexual abuse in Scottish football and, in particular, by the deeply personal, traumatic experiences endured by young players who were abused by people in whom they and their families placed their trust.

“I reiterate my sincerest apology on behalf of Scottish football to all who have experienced abuse in our national game.

“The report also recognises the progress that the Scottish FA and its members have made to achieve the highest standards of wellbeing and protection for children and young people to play our national sport safely today.

“Since the board issued a directive in 2016 we can report that 80% of the original recommendations are either completed or in progress. The work is ongoing, overseen by the Independent Wellbeing and Protection Advisory Board and implemented through our Wellbeing and Protection department: themselves evidence of our commitment to the review and its recommendations.

“As the report also states, football provides a tremendous outlet for young people in Scotland and it is the responsibility of everyone involved in Scottish football to protect and cultivate that for future generations.”

The final report and appendices can be viewed here [https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/7516/independent-review-of-sexual-abuse-in-scottish-football-final-report.pdf].

Further information about the Scottish FA’s Wellbeing and Protection strategy can be found at https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish-fa/wellbeing-protection/       

If you would like to speak to someone about your own experiences then you can contact:

Police Scotland on 101

NSPCC Helpline for people abused in football: 0800 023 2642

Scottish FA – childrenswellbeing@scottishfa.co.uk

Further information on support services can be found at:

 www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish-fa/wellbeing-protection/adult-survivors-of-abuse/ 

Children 1st Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow.

In response to the publication of the Final Independent Report into non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive Children 1st, which runs Safeguarding in Sport in partnership with sportscotland, said:

“The personal testimony of the men and boys in the report, who have shown incredible courage, demonstrates how needed this independent review has been. The abuse that young players have suffered in football is inexcusable and heart-breaking. By bravely speaking up they provided the catalyst for the review, and the changes that will come from it are thanks to them. We welcome the ongoing work the Scottish FA has carried out in light of the report’s recommendations and encourage them to continue their progress.

“The Scottish FA are showing that they are willing to listen and implement changes that ensure no more children suffer the experiences described in the report. We are pleased to see children and young people’s involvement in the process, such as the consultation with the Scottish Children’s Parliament.

“The voices of children and young people are crucial to developing improvements for their own wellbeing and safety, and also to change a culture where children can be frightened to speak up. Safeguarding in Sport, a partnership between Children 1st and sportscotland, has developed the Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport, which state that children have a right to express their views and have their voice taken into account.

“We are keen to support the Scottish FA in their continued implementation of the recommendations, to create a culture in football where we can be sure that every child is safe to enjoy the huge benefits of participating in sport.

“Any volunteer or official looking for advice or support about a child can contact safeguardinginsport@children1st.org.uk, and our Children 1st Parentline service is here to support every family in Scotland on 08000 28 22 33 or online at https://www.children1st.org.uk/parentline”