Boys’ team in sue threat after they’re stripped of league title
Norman Silvester A boys’ football team who were stripped of their league title say they will go to court to have the decision overturned.
Teenagers at Glentyan Thistle, who won their division in the last game of the season, have been told their closest rivals will be handed the trophy instead.
The team, who are based in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, won the match 4-3 against Stonelaw FC at Ballerup Park in East Kilbride in June.
The decision to overturn the win was made by the Paisley Johnstone and District Youth Football League after claims a banned Glentyan official coached the team.
He had been handed a onemonth ban for sending an insulting email to a league official.
The title ruling was upheld by the Hampden Park-based Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA), leaving the team of 14 and 15-yearold players heartbroken. Glentyan. The boys’ advisers are also seeking legal aid to fund the bid, including the hiring of an advocate to present their case.
The banned coach is said to have been in the dressing room before and after the game and on the pitch at half-time and full-time.
The result was overturned and the title given to Stonelaw, despite claims by Glentyan that the banned coach was just there supporting his son.
Glentyan chairman Alistair McMaster said: “We are looking into pursuing a case against the league through the Court of Session and have appointed a solicitor.
“The parent only turned up on the day to cheer on his son.
“Two other Glentyan coaches took the team that day.”
SYFA chief David Little said: “When clubs who are in breach of rules appear before a committee, a sanction can be applied.”