Latest news with #JackMackenzie
Edinburgh Reporter
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
SPFL praises 'phenomenal' fans but warns minority of consequences of disorder at matches
A total of 5,336,353 supporters turned out to watch their teams across all SPFL competitions in season 2024/25 – the highest figure in the SPFL era and a rise of nearly 185,000 on the previous record, set last year. The jump in attendances follows a hugely dramatic end to the season across all four William Hill SPFL divisions, with the race for promotions, European places, and to avoid relegation going right down to the wire. An SPFL spokesperson said: 'We'd like to thank Scotland's dedicated fans for the incredible support they continue to provide to clubs, as well as the work of our member clubs, Police Scotland, the authorities, and those working at matches throughout the season. 'While the vast and overwhelming majority of supporters are an undoubted force for good in our game, it's been extremely disappointing to see a small number persisting with dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour. Whether that's flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, throwing missiles, or pitch invasions, these actions put staff, supporters and players at risk and are completely unacceptable. 'For example, the incident which saw Aberdeen player Jack Mackenzie left injured at Tannadice Park after a chair was thrown onto the pitch, simply beggars belief. It goes without saying that players, staff and fellow supporters should have the right to attend games free from the risk of being struck by projectiles. 'The swift cooperation between clubs, supporters and Police Scotland helped identify the alleged perpetrator, who has since appeared in court. This is a model of how our system should work. In another recent incident, Livingston quickly issued a lifetime ban to an individual who allegedly spat at a member of the Ross County coaching team, and we commend the club's prompt and decisive action. 'As well as club bans, unwelcome incidents such as these have unfortunately made it abundantly clear that there is a need for far more widespread use of football banning orders (FBOs) and we are encouraged by the progress being made in partnership with our clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government. 'We have been discussing broadening the scope of these orders as part of the Scottish Government's FBO working group and we're extremely pleased to see this was covered in the Programme for Government in May. These recent incidents reinforce the need for such sanctions to protect the match-day experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans. 'During the 2024/25 season the SPFL took disciplinary action against a number of clubs and notices of complaints have now been raised against three clubs in respects of incidents which occurred at the end of the season – Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Celtic. 'The SPFL will undertake a number of discussions with supporter groups to better understand their views and explore the challenges involved. We're committed to open and constructive engagement as we work together to ensure a safe, enjoyable and inclusive match day experience for all fans. 'We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025/26. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for players and supporters – they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less.' Like this: Like Related
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Celtic, Partick Thistle & Aberdeen face SPFL disciplinary action
The SPFL condemned shocking incidents throughout the 2024/25 season with disciplinary action taken against a number of clubs during the campaign. Now, Celtic, Partick Thistle and Aberdeen face sanctions over matters at the end of the season, with the direct incidents not listed by the SPFL. The league body saluted "incredible support" in Scotland, with attendances up to a record high in the SPFL era. Numbers jumped by 185,000 on the previous record last year to 5,336,353 supporters. However, unsavoury incidents prompted condemnation from the SPFL with "dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour" blasted by chiefs. Read more: An SPFL statement read: "While the vast and overwhelming majority of supporters are an undoubted force for good in our game, it's been extremely disappointing to see a small number persisting with dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour. Whether that's flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, throwing missiles, or pitch invasions, these actions put staff, supporters and players at risk and are completely unacceptable. "For example, the incident which saw Aberdeen player Jack Mackenzie left injured at Tannadice Park after a chair was thrown onto the pitch, simply beggars belief. It goes without saying that players, staff and fellow supporters should have the right to attend games free from the risk of being struck by projectiles. "The swift cooperation between clubs, supporters and Police Scotland helped identify the alleged perpetrator, who has since appeared in court. This is a model of how our system should work. In another recent incident, Livingston quickly issued a lifetime ban to an individual who allegedly spat at a member of the Ross County coaching team, and we commend the club's prompt and decisive action. "As well as club bans, unwelcome incidents such as these have unfortunately made it abundantly clear that there is a need for far more widespread use of football banning orders (FBOs) and we are encouraged by the progress being made in partnership with our clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government. "We have been discussing broadening the scope of these orders as part of the Scottish Government's FBO working group and we're extremely pleased to see this was covered in the Programme for Government in May. These recent incidents reinforce the need for such sanctions to protect the match-day experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans. "During the 2024/25 season the SPFL took disciplinary action against a number of clubs and notices of complaints have now been raised against three clubs in respects of incidents which occurred at the end of the season - Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Celtic. "The SPFL will undertake a number of discussions with supporter groups to better understand their views and explore the challenges involved. We're committed to open and constructive engagement as we work together to ensure a safe, enjoyable and inclusive match day experience for all fans. "We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025/26. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."
The National
a day ago
- Sport
- The National
Celtic, Partick Thistle & Aberdeen face SPFL disciplinary action
The league body confirmed action has been taken over "unacceptable conduct" in respect of incidents at the end of the season. The SPFL condemned shocking incidents throughout the 2024/25 season with disciplinary action taken against a number of clubs during the campaign. Now, Celtic, Partick Thistle and Aberdeen face sanctions over matters at the end of the season, with the direct incidents not listed by the SPFL. The league body saluted "incredible support" in Scotland, with attendances up to a record high in the SPFL era. Numbers jumped by 185,000 on the previous record last year to 5,336,353 supporters. However, unsavoury incidents prompted condemnation from the SPFL with "dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour" blasted by chiefs. Read more: An SPFL statement read: "While the vast and overwhelming majority of supporters are an undoubted force for good in our game, it's been extremely disappointing to see a small number persisting with dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour. Whether that's flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, throwing missiles, or pitch invasions, these actions put staff, supporters and players at risk and are completely unacceptable. "For example, the incident which saw Aberdeen player Jack Mackenzie left injured at Tannadice Park after a chair was thrown onto the pitch, simply beggars belief. It goes without saying that players, staff and fellow supporters should have the right to attend games free from the risk of being struck by projectiles. "The swift cooperation between clubs, supporters and Police Scotland helped identify the alleged perpetrator, who has since appeared in court. This is a model of how our system should work. In another recent incident, Livingston quickly issued a lifetime ban to an individual who allegedly spat at a member of the Ross County coaching team, and we commend the club's prompt and decisive action. "As well as club bans, unwelcome incidents such as these have unfortunately made it abundantly clear that there is a need for far more widespread use of football banning orders (FBOs) and we are encouraged by the progress being made in partnership with our clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government. "We have been discussing broadening the scope of these orders as part of the Scottish Government's FBO working group and we're extremely pleased to see this was covered in the Programme for Government in May. These recent incidents reinforce the need for such sanctions to protect the match-day experience for the vast majority of law-abiding fans. "During the 2024/25 season the SPFL took disciplinary action against a number of clubs and notices of complaints have now been raised against three clubs in respects of incidents which occurred at the end of the season - Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Celtic. "The SPFL will undertake a number of discussions with supporter groups to better understand their views and explore the challenges involved. We're committed to open and constructive engagement as we work together to ensure a safe, enjoyable and inclusive match day experience for all fans. "We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025/26. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable match day experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The storied history of the Indianapolis 500 Borg Warner trophy
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WEHT)- This Sunday will be the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. The race features 33 drivers, all hoping to win the Borg Warner trophy. The trophy is now under strict security and not allowed to be touched by the public, but that hasn't always been the case. 35th annual Run for the Wall makes stop in the Tri-State Jack Mackenzie is the most photographed man in victory lane, but he wasn't a driver or even an employee of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was a 6'4″ Butler basketball player who happened to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right build for the job of a lifetime. Mackenzie served as 'caretaker' for the Borg Warner trophy for three decades, starting at the age of 22 in 1953 to 1983. As caretaker, Mackenize would babysit and transport the trophy for the entire month of May, taking it to festivals, parades, dinners, carb days, and of course, race day. Mackenzie's daughter, Liz Mackenzie Freiherr, recalls the trophy being around the house so much, she thought it was just another piece of furniture. 'A lot of people don't know that the lid comes off, and so when I was about two years old, my dad took a picture of me inside the trophy. I may be the only girl who's been photographed inside the Borg Warner trophy. It was just a common, everyday thing in our house, no big deal to all of us,' says Mackenzie Frieherr. For three decades, Jack Mackenzie looked after the trophy with everything he had. Looking back at all the photos in Victory Lane, he can often be spotted standing with the silver trophy clasped tightly in his hands as the champion drinks their winner's milk. The trophy is now under strict security, with its value listed at over $3.5 million. Today, taking care of it requires a dedicated team, rather than being a one-man job. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Courier
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Man, 31, charged after player hit by chair at Dundee United v Aberdeen game
A 31-year-old man has been charged after a player was hit by a chair following the Dundee United v Aberdeen game. Dons defender Jack Mackenzie needed stitches after he was hit by the chair in the aftermath of United's 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Tannadice on Saturday. Police said it appeared to have been thrown from the Fair Play Stand, which had been housing away supporters. It happened as United fans invaded the pitch after they had secured fourth place in the Premiership, finishing ahead of their north-east rivals. The man has been charged in connection with reckless conduct. He is expected to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Wednesday. Superintendent Ray Bernie said: 'Any type of disorder has a huge impact on the public and the overwhelming majority of football supporters who simply want to enjoy these occasions safely. 'This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and such acts which endanger people will be fully investigated. 'Officers have worked quickly to make this arrest and I would like to thank the public and both clubs for their continued support and assisting us during our inquiries.'
