Scooby & scrapper
FANS SHOCKED BY MATCH FRACAS
A SCOTTISH football chairman has lost his role after a rammy involving the club mascot.
Stranraer chairman Alex Connor was removed from his position after an investigation into the incident, which is said to have taken place in front of shocked fans.
The confrontation between Connor and “Scooby Blue” – a cartoon dog based on Hanna-Barbera’s cartoon character Scooby-Doo – allegedly kicked off in a lounge shortly after the match had started against Airdrie earlier this month.
An eyewitness was reported yesterday saying: “It kicked off totally out of the blue.
“Scooby was making a cup of tea when suddenly the chairman lunged at him and started wrestling with him.
“Everybody was shocked. Then the chairman started shouting for Scooby to go outside and do what he was supposed to do, encourage the fans.
“Everybody who saw it was was stunned and embarrassed.” Scooby is a long-standing favourite of fans and the man in the outfit, Matthew Francis, has been entertaining Stair Park crowds for 15 years.
On Facebook last week, the League One club confirmed they were investigating an incident at the home match with Airdrie on November 10.
Stranraer posted a statement on Friday, saying: “After a full investigation, it has been with regret that the club have relieved a committee member of their duties with immediate effect.
“The club will be making no further comment.”
Scooby Blue is no stranger to controversy.
Francis, of Portpatrick, Wigtownshire, was accused of sparking a mass brawl two years ago by allegedly charging at Ayr United supporters who were taunting him.
But charges of breach of the peace and disorderly behaviour were found not proven in court.
EYEWITNESS ON MASCOT FIGHT WITH CHAIRMAN