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STV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Livingston want more talks on plastic pitch ban but won't rule out SPFL challenge
Livingston chief executive Dave Black believes that 'a deeper conversation' is needed around the SPFL's proposed ban on artificial surfaces, but won't rule out challenging the governing body if they proceed with a plan to outlaw plastic pitches in the Premiership. A dramatic play-off win over Ross County ensured Livingston will be back in the top flight next year after a season in the Championship. Following the Lions' relegation a year ago, Premiership clubs voted in favour of banning artificial surfaces from the league, with a two-year period allowed to phase out the controversial surfaces. At that time, Kilmarnock were the only team in the league without a grass surface and the club agreed to replace their playing surface in time for next season. The Rugby Park club has since pushed that change back to the start of the 2026/27 season, when the two-year grace period will end. With Falkirk winning the Championship, and Livingston earning promotion through the play-offs, a quarter of next season's Premiership games will now be played on artificial surfaces, meaning the topic is certain to be a talking point as the deadline to replace the pitches approaches. The Livingston chief executive said that ahead of their top-flight return, the artificial surface at the Set Fare Arena will be relaid with a new pitch, conceding that the existing articial grass is 'a bit tired' after seven seasons of regular use, though it does still meet the criteria to be playable and has FIFA accreditation. Replacing that with grass at the end of next season would have huge associated costs for the club and knock-on effects such as finding training pitches and places for the club's academy and women's team. 'I think there needs to be a deeper conversation,' Black told STV. 'I don't think it is necessarily 'grass good, artificial bad'. 'I think there can be perhaps different criteria for artificial surfaces. If they're fine to be used in European competition, then I'm not sure that there needs to be a huge conversation about them not being used in Scottish football. 'However, I get that there may be, whether that's there has to be under a certain life, or it has to be under a certain year of usage, and maybe can only have certain usage per week. 'So I think there's definitely a conversation around the lifespan of them or how they can be used. 'But I think a blanket ban is a backwards step for the game.' Black believes that the landscape is changing regarding artificial surfaces and that many players are now completely used to the pitches after coming through youth football systems where all-weather pitches are commonly used. He also says that there is variety across different pitches and points to another promoted side as a shining example. And clubs have come together to make representations to the authorities to recognise that the surfaces have a place in the professional game. 'Falkirk, for one, has been lauded a number of times this year for how it looks and how it plays,' he said. 'Jamie Swinney at Falkirk, myself and a few other clubs from the Championship and League One, have been having these conversations with SPFL and SFA to see if there is a middle ground to be had, and we'll continue those conversations. 'I don't think it needs to be as cut and dry as it perhaps looks at the minute, or as it has been suggested at the minute. 'So we are up for that conversation, and we hope that the SPFL and the SFA will meet us in the middle and see if there is a middle ground to be had.' If there is no middle ground to be found, than Black admits a more formal challenge to the ruling is a possibility. 'Falkirk are in the same boat was as well,' he said. 'Neither of us were involved in the vote. 'And you've now got 25% of the Premiership with artificial surfaces, so you're now looking at two of the clubs who are in the league didn't have a say on the vote. 'So I think, yeah, if the ruling wasn't to be looked at a bit deeper or a conversation had to see if we could change then I think that there would be an element of the club now looking to see if there's further action we can take to try and instigate that.' He added: 'For us as a club, we're re-laying it. You know, we've acknowledged and accepted that the pitch is looking tired, and we need to do that. So we want to premiere next year with a new top-end surface, which is great and will be great for opposing teams coming here and using it for the first time next season. 'But then the kick on from that is if we have to then go to grass. Where do our academy go? Where do we train during the day? Where do the women's section go? 'It's not just a case of putting a grass park down here, and we're fine. You know, that would solve the immediate problem on a Saturday, to meet that criteria for Premiership football but it's the Monday to Friday issue that poses in the financial constraints that puts on the club. 'If we're then having to spend upwards of at least a million pounds on putting a grass pitch down here, plus a training facility, and then how does that look for the academy? 'That would then be a further deeper conversation at the club level, can we afford to then run an academy elsewhere? Because we'd have to either hire somewhere or build a surface or build a training park somewhere else. 'There's a big knock on effect for for not just us, for a number of clubs who would be in that boat, should they get to the Premiership. 'So yeah, we'll see what happens over the coming months, and certainly as we approach the mid-to-tail-end of next season and see what that looks like.' 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Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
West Lothian football club issue lifetime ban for 'mindless idiot' after 'incident'
A West Lothian football fan has been issued a lifetime ban after an alleged spitting incident. The incident happened during Livingston FC's match against Ross County on Thursday evening. The fan, who has been branded a 'mindless idiot', appeared to be caught on TV cameras spitting at the Ross County coach. Livingston FC have urged authorities to extend the ban country-wide, reports the Daily Record. They have also identified the individual and passed the supporters' details on to police. READ MORE: 'Our Edinburgh scheme has a reputation for being tough - but it's misunderstood' READ MORE: Edinburgh Half Marathon underway in windy conditions as city centre awash with runners Ahead of the second leg on Monday evening, chief executive Dave Black issued a lengthy statement, slamming the 'abhorrent' actions of an individual they hope won't be setting foot inside a football stadium again. It read: 'We're absolutely appalled by the actions of one mindless idiot in the home end at last night's Premiership play-off game with Ross County. 'Football is undoubtedly an emotional sport and fans are more often than not the most passionate of all in their support for their teams. The highs and lows of a last minute goal, depending on what side you're on, is always going to provoke a burst of joy at one end, and an incredible disappointment at the other. "That's the nature of the game and that passion is why we all keep coming back week-after-week. However, what we witnessed in the ground last night, which was subsequently beamed all over the country and beyond on live TV, was abhorrent, shameful and tainted what was a hard fought, well balanced game between two teams battling it out for a place in the top flight. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'We all know that there's likely to be the odd bit of goading or verbals from opposition fans, such has been the case for as long as the game has been played, and you'll be hard pushed to find anyone in the game from managers to coaches to players who wouldn't expect that. What no-one should expect, or experience though, is someone approaching them from the stand and spitting in their face. "The absolute lowest of the low and an utter embarrassment for the person involved. I spoke with Steven Ferguson, CEO of Ross County, last night immediately after the incident, overnight via text and again this morning on the phone, as well as calling County assistant manager Carl Tremarco earlier today to offer an apology on behalf of the club for the disgusting way in which he was treated. "I know, and both Steven and Carl echoed the sentiment, that the action is absolutely not a reflection of the football club or our supporters and is entirely at the door of the culprit. Our thanks to a number of our own supporters who were quick to get in touch and help identify the individual, all of whom were as ashamed by what they saw as we were. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "This has allowed us to identify the person involved and we've passed the details on to the police who will be investigating with a view of taking this further. We'll also be issuing a lifetime ban to the individual and will speak with the relevant authorities required to ask for that ban to be country-wide too." The statement continued: "Thank you to our own safety and security team, as well as the stewards around the incident who all moved quickly to help de-escalate the situation, and credit to Carl and the rest of the coaching staff for managing to stay as restrained as possible despite what had happened. "Again, on behalf of Livingston Football Club, our sincere apologies to Carl and all at Ross County for the behaviour of the individual – regardless of being outwith our control, we're disgusted that an opposition club would have that happen to them in our stadium."
Edinburgh Live
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian football club issue lifetime ban for 'mindless idiot' after 'incident'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian football fan has been issued a lifetime ban after an alleged spitting incident. The incident happened during Livingston FC's match against Ross County on Thursday evening. The fan, who has been branded a 'mindless idiot', appeared to be caught on TV cameras spitting at the Ross County coach. Livingston FC have urged authorities to extend the ban country-wide, reports the Daily Record. They have also identified the individual and passed the supporters' details on to police. Ahead of the second leg on Monday evening, chief executive Dave Black issued a lengthy statement, slamming the 'abhorrent' actions of an individual they hope won't be setting foot inside a football stadium again. It read: 'We're absolutely appalled by the actions of one mindless idiot in the home end at last night's Premiership play-off game with Ross County. 'Football is undoubtedly an emotional sport and fans are more often than not the most passionate of all in their support for their teams. The highs and lows of a last minute goal, depending on what side you're on, is always going to provoke a burst of joy at one end, and an incredible disappointment at the other. "That's the nature of the game and that passion is why we all keep coming back week-after-week. However, what we witnessed in the ground last night, which was subsequently beamed all over the country and beyond on live TV, was abhorrent, shameful and tainted what was a hard fought, well balanced game between two teams battling it out for a place in the top flight. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'We all know that there's likely to be the odd bit of goading or verbals from opposition fans, such has been the case for as long as the game has been played, and you'll be hard pushed to find anyone in the game from managers to coaches to players who wouldn't expect that. What no-one should expect, or experience though, is someone approaching them from the stand and spitting in their face. "The absolute lowest of the low and an utter embarrassment for the person involved. I spoke with Steven Ferguson, CEO of Ross County, last night immediately after the incident, overnight via text and again this morning on the phone, as well as calling County assistant manager Carl Tremarco earlier today to offer an apology on behalf of the club for the disgusting way in which he was treated. "I know, and both Steven and Carl echoed the sentiment, that the action is absolutely not a reflection of the football club or our supporters and is entirely at the door of the culprit. Our thanks to a number of our own supporters who were quick to get in touch and help identify the individual, all of whom were as ashamed by what they saw as we were. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "This has allowed us to identify the person involved and we've passed the details on to the police who will be investigating with a view of taking this further. We'll also be issuing a lifetime ban to the individual and will speak with the relevant authorities required to ask for that ban to be country-wide too." The statement continued: "Thank you to our own safety and security team, as well as the stewards around the incident who all moved quickly to help de-escalate the situation, and credit to Carl and the rest of the coaching staff for managing to stay as restrained as possible despite what had happened. "Again, on behalf of Livingston Football Club, our sincere apologies to Carl and all at Ross County for the behaviour of the individual – regardless of being outwith our control, we're disgusted that an opposition club would have that happen to them in our stadium."
Edinburgh Reporter
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
‘Spit' allegation passed to police by Livingston FC
Livingston FC have handed a lifetime ban to the individual who is alleged to have spat on one of the Ross County coaching team in the dying seconds of Thursday's play-off final, first-leg, at the Set Fare Arena. And the West Lothian club plan to speak to the relevant authorities to ask that the ban is country-wide. Dave Black, the Championship club's chief executive, praised fans who have come forward to help identify the individual and revealed that Livingston have passed details on to the police who, the club say, will be investigating the incident. Black said the Lions are 'absolutely appalled by the actions of one, mindless idiot' in the home end. And his lengthy statement, issued on the club's website, said: 'Football is undoubtedly an emotional sport, and football fans are more often than not the most passionate of all in their support for their teams. 'The highs and lows of a last minute goal, depending on what side you're on, is always going to provoke a burst of joy at one end, and an incredible disappointment at the other. That's the nature of the game, and that passion is why we all keep coming back week-after-week. 'However, what we witnessed in the ground (on Thursday night), which was subsequently beamed all over the country and beyond on live TV, was abhorrent, shameful and tainted what was a hard-fought, well-balanced game between two teams battling it out for a place in the top flight (the William Hill Premiership). 'We all know that there's likely to be the odd bit of goading or verbals from opposition fans, such has been the case for as long as the game has been played, and you'll be hard pushed to find anyone in the game, from managers to coaches to players, who wouldn't expect that. 'What no-one should expect, or experience though, is someone approaching them from the stand and spitting in their face. The absolute lowest of the low and an utter embarrassment for the person involved.' Black said he spoke to Steven Ferguson, CEO of Ross County, immediately after the incident, overnight via text and again on Friday morning on the phone, as well as calling County assistant manager Carl Tremarco to offer an apology on behalf of the club for the disgusting way in which he was treated. Black added: 'I know, and both Steven and Carl echoed the sentiment, that the action is absolutely not a reflection of the football club or our supporters and is entirely at the door of the culprit. 'Our thanks to a number of our own supporters who were quick to get in touch and help identify the individual, all of whom were as ashamed by what they saw, as we were. 'This has allowed us to identify the person involved and we've passed the details on to the police who will be investigating with a view of taking this further. We'll also be issuing a lifetime ban to the individual and will speak with the relevant authorities required to ask for that ban to be country wide too.' He thanked the club's own safety and security team, as well as the stewards around the incident, who all moved quickly to help de-escalate the situation, and he added: 'Credit to Carl and the rest of the coaching staff (of Ross County) for managing to stay as restrained as possible despite what had happened. 'Again, on behalf of Livingston Football Club, our sincere apologies to Carl and all at Ross County for the behaviour of the individual, regardless of being out with our control, We're disgusted that an opposition club would have that happen to them in our stadium.' PICTURE: Fans applaud the two teams onto the pitch at the Set Fare Arena before the play-off final, first-leg. Picture by Nigel Duncan Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Livingston hit fan who allegedly spat in Ross County No2's face with life ban as police get involved
Lions CEO Dave Black says he is 'disgusted and embarrassed' by the actions of one punter after playoff final first leg Livingston will issue a lifetime ban to the so-called fan who spat at Ross County assistant manager Carl Tremarco. The Staggies No. 2 was attacked in the away dugout as he celebrated his team's late equaliser in the first-leg of their Premiership play-off on Thursday night. Livi chief executive Dave Black has confirmed the individual's details have been passed on to the police and he will also be banned from the Set Fare Arena. Black tweeted: 'Utterly disgusted and embarrassed by the actions of the idiot in the home end at the end of the game. 'We've passed details over to the police to ensure it's dealt with there and of course, he'll be issued with a lifetime ban. 'We want no association with people like that. 'Spoken to some at County both at the ground and afterwards to offer our apologies. 'No one should come here and be treated like, or have that happen to them. 'Certainly not a representation of the club, but disgusted that it's happened from our end nonetheless.' You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
