The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)

Police probe as assistant referee struck by object

Official suffers injury after object, thought to be a coin, thrown from crowd

- LUCINDA CAMERON

Police are investigat­ing after an assistant referee was hit by an object thrown from the crowd during the Rangers v Livingston match on Sunday.

Calum Spence suffered a minor injury to the back of his head and was treated at the scene following the assault at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

The incident happened around 15 minutes into the second half when an object, thought to be a coin, was thrown from the East Stand where the away supporters were placed.

Spence was able to continue in his role after treatment and saw out the match which Livingston won 1-0.

Police are appealing for informatio­n about the incident, which they are treating as assault.

Superinten­dent Craig Smith, event commander for the match, said: “This is a shocking incident and it is not the type of behaviour we have come to expect from football fans in Scotland.

“We will not tolerate offences of this nature.

“With this in mind we are eager to trace the person who was spotted throwing an object from the stand.

“I would also ask anyone who has informatio­n that can assist our inquiries to get in touch with us immediatel­y.

“I would also ask anyone who has any photos or footage of this incident to submit this to police.”

Anyone with informatio­n is asked to contact police on 101 or anonymousl­y via Crimestopp­ers on 0800 555 111.

 ?? Picture: Getty. ?? Calum Spence receives treatment after the incident at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Picture: Getty. Calum Spence receives treatment after the incident at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

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