Fears of fan backlash in89 ‘Judas’ row

FALKIRK are to employ their own travelling stewards for tomorrow’s clash with Morton after Police Scotland raised safety concerns over the return of Ray McKinnon (below) to Cappielow. Both clubs are doing all they can to ensure the game passes off peacefully, with talks between the Championship rivals having taken place. McKinnon angered Morton by leaving for Falkirk in August after just three months in charge in Greenock. Cappielow officials threatened legal action and a local newspaper branded the ex-Raith Rovers and Dundee United manager a ‘Judas’. The Greenock publication now plan to distribute ‘Judas Ray’ red cards to Morton fans and the 48-year-old admits he expects a hot reception. Falkirk chief executive Craig Campbell is worried there could be trouble. He said: ‘We consider our own supporter safety at matches as paramount and will take our own travel stewards. Our match safety officer has also been in talks with Morton.’ A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘The area will be policed accordingly.’

ST MIRREN boss Oran Kearney admits his squad is so big he has had to split it in two to make training more manageable. The Northern Irishman, who aims to trim its numbers, has 29 players and a headache laying on training sessions. He said: ‘There is probably an optimum number to have in a squad, around the 22 mark.’