Lilywhites chairman’s surprise after stenhousemuir point to inadequate stewarding for cup tie
Clachnacuddin face SFA fine after fan runs on to the pitch
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Highland League club Clachnacuddin face a Scottish Football Association investigation after incidents during Saturday’s Scottish Cup defeat by Stenhousemuir at Grant Street, Inverness.
The SFA has written to the Clach after a supporter allegedly ran towards Stenhousemuir player Kevin Motion during the game.
The incident has left Warriors manager John Coughlin, whose side won 5-0 to set up a fourth-round match against East Fife, upset as he believes there was inadequate stewarding in place to protect his players.
Referee Gary Hilland noted the incident in his match report, prompting the association to write to the Lilywhites. The action was able to continue as stewards ushered the supporter out of the ground and it is understood no police action was taken.
Clach could face a fine from the SFA if they are found guilty of failing to keep their supporters under control.
A spokesperson for the SFA said: “The matter has been mentioned in the referee’s report. We have asked Clachnacuddin for their comments and it will then go before the disciplinary committee.”
Clach chairman David Dowling was surprised to hear his club is facing an investigation but will respond once the SFA is in contact.
He said: “I was at Hampden on Tuesday and nothing about this was mentioned. I am a member of the SFA’s disciplinary committee and I would have thought the matter would have come up.
“Until I receive correspondence from the SFA I can’t really comment further, but I would argue we had adequate stewarding in place for the game. We had more than usual for the cup tie and we had stewards stationed at every corner of the field. Stenhousemuir made no complaint to anyone at the club afterwards, so this has come as a shock.”
Coughlin claimed the incident was just one of a number which marred their win. He said: “We had Andy Brand and Scott Dalziel stretchered off after tackles and that leaves us with just one recognised forward in Stevie Hampshire for the game against Berwick.
“The abuse our dugout and the linesman took from the supporters was unbelievable and after the game there were reports of incidents.
“After I spoke to the press at the end of the game, I went into the hospitality suite and said to our directors, ‘we’re going’. As we left, there were police taking statements. It all took the shine off what was a good performance.”
A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “Police responded to a number of reports of disturbances in the area of Clachnacuddin FC around 5pm on Saturday.
“Two men aged 17 and 20, a woman aged 17 and three male youths, all from the Inverness area, were arrested in connection with the incident. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”
