COINTOSSERS SHOCK JAGS
FROM BACK PAGE with a dramatic comeback. What has been described by Thistle insiders as “showers” of objects rattled off the home dugout.
Some landed between former Hibs skipper Caldwell and Hearts boss Craig Levein after two crucial second-half incidents – a turned-down penalty claim involving Jambos striker Uche Ikpeazu and Christie Elliott’s late equaliser.
The Championship strugglers were yesterday deciding on their next move after top-level talks between chairman Jacqui Low and chief executive Gerry Britton.
But they are understood to have been shocked and angered by the volume of loose change which was hurled into the technical area from tossers in the main stand – placing Caldwell, his backroom team and substitutes in harm’s way.
A club spokesman said: “We are investigating a number of incidents around the game on Monday night.”
And a source added: “What has concerned us the most is the number of
coins that were being thrown. It wasn’t isolated stuff – they were coming down in showers around the dugout and technical area. We’re just relieved that no one was hurt.”
It’s the latest example of appalling conduct from supporters up and down the country as Scottish football has been stung by an epidemic of hooliganism.
Linesman Calum Spence had his head gashed by a coin thrown by a Rangers supporter in the away end at Livingston.
Ibrox striker Alfredo Morelos was struck by a 50 pence piece launched at him by a St Mirren fan in Paisley, Kilmarnock veteran Kris Boyd was hit by a coin from the Celtic end at Rugby Park and Parkhead winger Scott Sinclair narrowly avoided serious injury at Easter Road on Saturday as an empty bottle of Buckfast flew past his head.
Last week PFA Scotland demanded action before one of their members is “maimed” and Record Sport understands top brass inside both the SPFL and SFA are considering urgent action as this behavioural crisis deepens.