Scottish football bosses to probe crowd disorder at Keanie Park Junior Cup tie
Scottish football authorities have launched a probe into crowd disorder which marred the Junior Cup tie between Johnstone Burgh and Largs Thistle. The game at Keanie Park was briefly stopped on Saturday, April 19, after clashes between supporters after the Seasiders scored a late winner. In astonishing scenes, bottles and other missiles were seen being lobbed by fans before players and Burgh captain Derek Esplin dashed into the crowd to try to calm those involved. In footage circulating widely online, stewards were also seen to grapple with some crowd members. It's understood the incident has been mentioned by the referee in his match report and that an investigation will now be carried out by the Scottish Junior Football Association (SJFA). Possible sanctions such as a fine for the club – who have maintained they had adequate stewarding place – could follow. Meanwhile, in a highly-unusual move at non-league level, the return leg, due to be played at Thistle's Barrfields on Sunday, May 18, has been declared all-ticket. The game is due to kick-off at 2pm with Largs leading the tie 1-0. The first leg of the semi-final was briefly stopped by the referee amid chaotic scenes at the match which was attended by a bumper crowd of around 2,000 fans. A Burgh source told afterwards how some young fans reacted after an opposition supporter ran half the width of the pitch to goad them after Largs scored. They said: 'The club has worked so hard over the past five years to build itself up. Unfortunately, a small number of people have caused the scenes which we saw. The vast majority of our young fans are great children.' In a club statement following the game, Burgh said: 'The entire incident lasted less than two minutes. The referee rightly paused the game to restore order. 'With the goal scored late in the match, Johnstone Burgh players themselves encouraged calm to allow the match to resume swiftly and safely. 'Johnstone Burgh FC does not condone any form of antisocial or aggressive behaviour from supporters of any age. Appropriate stewarding was in place, and we commend our security team for their swift and professional handling of the situation. 'It is deeply regrettable that one of our stewards was assaulted in the process. 'Enquiries are ongoing, and any individuals identified as having engaged in violence or antisocial behaviour will be banned from Keanie Park with immediate effect. 'We remain committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all supporters, particularly the younger members of our community.' In a statement of their own, Thistle said: 'The match referee has submitted a report regarding crowd trouble at the game and we will refrain from making further comment until the football authorities have concluded any investigations. 'We will also undertake our own investigations and wish to stress we do not condone any form of aggression or violence towards anyone, adults or children.' The SJFA said in relation to the game: 'An investigation will be carried out and we cannot comment further at the moment.' Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
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