Rivals hit out at Burgh fans

JOHNSTONE Burgh Football Club have been slammed by rivals Arthurlie over “offensive chanting” and vandalism by fans during a glamour cup clash on Sunday.

The teams met in the first leg of a Scottish Junior Cup semi-final tie in front of a bumper crowd of more than 1,300 spectators at the Barrhead club’s Dunterlie Park ground.

However, after the final whistle, Arthurlie bosses hit out over the behaviour of some Burgh supporters responsible for “vile” chanting.

The Barrhead club also said pitchside advertising boards were damaged by the away fans during the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

In a statement posted on social media on Monday, a spokesperson said: “Following yesterday’s Scottish Junior Cup semi-final first leg, Arthurlie Football Club expresses its disappointment at the damage to the surroundings of Dunterlie Park and its disgust at the use of offensive likely to be possible, the individuals responsible should perhaps reflect on their words and actions and should be educated on their consequences.”

Sunday’s match was one of the biggest in years for Burgh, who play in the First Division of the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL).

The club has only won the Scottish Junior Cup on two occasions – in 1964 and 1968.

However, they hope to secure a place in this season’s final when they host Arthurlie, who play in the WoSFL Premier Division, at Keanie Park in the second leg of the tie this Saturday, with kick-off at 5.30pm.

Ahead of the game, the Arthurlie spokesperson added: “The football club looks forward to next week’s second leg and hopes it passes without incident.”

Burgh confirmed they have been in contact with Arthurlie to discuss the issues raised by the Barrhead club.

For more on Sunday’s cup tie, see the back page of today’s edition of The Gazette.