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      Angry football manager told he couldn’t bring on striker during Scottish cup clash as bonkers technical error revealed

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      PARTICK THISTLE manager Kris Doolan fumed at his side being blocked from making a substitution against Motherwell on Sunday.Thistle played out a goalless draw against Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup, meaning they finished behind the Fir Park men in the group stages and were dumped from the competition. Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan was left frustrated after his side were unable to make a substitutionCredit: Premier SportsThistle manager Doolan thinks his side could have got the job done if they had been able to bring on striker – something which they were blocked from doing after an unbelievable technical error.Doolan had hoped to sub on 19-year-old forward Ricco Diack, but was bizarrely told he couldn’t do it because of an incorrectly cropped screenshot.Officials informed Doolan that Diack couldn’t enter the pitch as he wasn’t listed on the Partick Thistle team sheet.Only to discover that the teams were screenshotted from an app by the officiating team and Diack’s name had been cut off at the bottom of the screen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDoolan ranted about the unbelievable mistake in his post-match interview with Premier Sports.He said: “We showed that we’re capable at this level of performing and performing well, but on the other side I’m a bit angry.”The fact that I went to put a striker on and I was told I couldn’t because he wasn’t on the team lines.”Only for it to turn out that he was actually on the team lines and it was an error.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe explained: “We’re obviously putting a striker on to try and win the game.”We were then told that we couldn’t list him on the teamsheet so we couldn’t put him on. Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real Madrid”We thought that was our error, but after the game we found out that he was on the teamsheet from our side.”It’s all done online now, it’s all done via an app, and unfortunately eight names out of the nine [substitutes] were screenshot and the ninth one was cut off.”So the referees didn’t actually know that Ricco was on the team lines.”Adding: “We’re looking to try and win the game, it’s worth a lot of money to the club and it’s a good chance for us to go through and get that money.”Unfortunately an error on the part of, a common system, has thrown that out of the park for us.”Doolan also revealed that he feels he “has to” speak to the SPFL about the decision, describing it as “really disappointing”.Who are these famous footballers?Fans couldn’t believe the shocking gaffe either and took to social media to react, with some calling for the match to be replayed.One wrote: “Absolute shambles this is btw. Could’ve/would’ve been the difference between going through or not. Shambles is an understatement.”While another added: “Surely this game should be replayed??”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third joked: “A definite disadvantage to Thistle due to incompetence outside of our control, some form of apology should be on its way along with a way to rectify this error.”And a fourth posted: “The whole system is a joke.” More

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      Dundee chief blames CLIMATE CHANGE for latest Rangers postponement

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      DUNDEE club secretary Eric Drysdale has pinned the blame on the Dens Park’s five postponements this season on climate change. There’s barely disguised fury around Scottish football after the Dens men’s fifth call off of the campaign plunged the end of the Premiership season into chaos. Eric Drysdale has revealed that rainfall in the area is massively upDens Park was ultimately deemed unplayableA third attempt at getting the match played will now take place on Wednesday April 17.But Hibs aren’t happy on ‘sporting integrity’ grounds as that’s after they and the rest of their top six rivals will have finished their pre-split fixtures. And Rangers aren’t happy either as it means they will have to go through the whole rigmarole again a week later, just days before they’re in Scottish Cup semi-final action. The SPFL have said that the Dens Park side are subject to an ongoing investigation but there’s been radio silence on that in the last few weeks.It’s all a mess – and while Dundee club secretary Eric Drysdale admits ‘urgent’ work on the pitch is needed, he also said the club had done all they could.He blamed it on a 35% increase in rainfall in the area as compared to the 10-year average – even though many pitches, including nearby Tannadice Park, are playable. He told SkySports: “I can understand people are annoyed at this and are looking at it as Dundee’s fault. “What I would say is that from the research we have done in the last few days this year’s rainfall is 35 per cent higher than the 10 year average – that shows the effects of climate change on it and it shows the work we have to do urgently on the Dens Park pitch.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile match referee Don Robertson admitted there was no chance of the match being played. The surface passed an 11am inspection but further heavy rainfall meant it failed a 3.30pm inspection and was never likely to proceed. Dens Park pitch revealed as Don Robertson prepares to conduct second pitch inspection at the ScotFoam stadiumHe said: “A second inspection was carried out with the agreement of the clubs and the league.“I had done an initial inspection at 11am and the pitch as playable at that point.“But obviously everyone is aware of the issues that Dundee have had with their pitch.“It’s not in great condition, but it was playable.“Everyone was aware of the forecast for heavy rain in the area in the afternoon and that’s why we agreed on a pitch inspection at 3.30pm, to see how the pitch looked once that rain came.“Once I arrived I have conducted the inspection and the pitch had deteriorated quite a lot in that time.“There was an area of concern in front of the bottom penalty area, which was wet this morning but playable.“They put the covers on but in the four hours since that first inspection there has been heavy rain and that area of the pitch has become sodden, waterlogged and therefore unsafe for the players.“And unfortunately the match has been postponed.“No-one would say the pitch was in great condition in the morning but it was playable and safe for the players to play.“The ball was bouncing and travelling through those areas.“But when I did the second inspection that wasn’t the case. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is quite a significant area of the pitch – it’s not just a small corner – and once I determined that it was unsafe for the players – which is my concern here – then the match was postponed.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Scottish minnows Stenhousemuir congratulated for winning first ever league title by TV legend and secret HUGE fan

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      TV legend Sir Michael Palin has congratulated his favourite Scottish team Stenhousemuir on winning its first ever league title this afternoon.The Monty Python star, 80, has followed the club for many years and once watched the club face Elgin City at Ochilview in 2005 during a break from filming.Secret fan and TV legend Sir Michael Palin sent Stenhousemuir a congratulatory messageCredit: SPFLStenhousemuir clinched the cinch League 2 title on SaturdayCredit: SNSAnd the broadcaster and writer has sent a video message congratulating the club on their first title win – via the SPFL – after the club clinched the cinch League 2 trophy after a 0-0 draw with East Fife today.Sir Michael said: “Hello – it’s Michael Palin here. I’ve always had a soft spot for Stenhousemuir and in fact at one time I went up to the ground thinking I might make a little film about the club.“I follow the results and I’m extremely pleased to see you’re top of League 2 and headed for glory.“Thanks to everybody at the club. Have a great season next season, from Michael Palin – a Stenhousemuir fan in London.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGary Naysmith’s men have enjoyed an impressive season in cinch League 2, winning the league with four games to spare.The club previously went on a memorable 12-game winning run in the league earlier this season.Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “We wanted to do something a bit special to mark Stenhousemuir winning their first ever league title, so we got in touch with Sir Michael given his long connection to the club. He was delighted to pass on his good wishes to everyone at the club.“I’d also like to congratulate everyone at Stenhousemuir on winning cinch League 2.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I’m sure it was a special day for all at the club, and one that the supporters will remember for a very long time.”Stenny headed into Saturday’s match needing to win or match Peterhead’s result to secure the title.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersTheir goalless draw proved to be enough to add the title to their 140th anniversary celebrations this season as Peterhead could only draw 2-2 at Bonnyrigg Rose.The Blue Toon must now rely on the play-offs to secure an immediate return to cinch League 1 alongside Stenhousemuir. More

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      I’m a Premier League cult hero whose career spanned ten clubs but now I’m trying to make my fortune in crypto

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      RYAN BABEL thrilled and frustrated fans in equal measure in a maverick football career that took in TEN clubs and a World Cup finalNow the former Liverpool, Fulham and Ajax winger is trying to make it big again…in cryptocurrency.Ryan Babel’s playing career took many twists and turns – now he’s touting himself as a crypto expertCredit: GettyBabel has launched an Instragram account offering advice and information about investing in the controversial world of crypto finance.The Dutchman, 37, has time on his hands after leaving his final club, Turkish second-tier outfit Eyupspor, last year.And Babel claims that the expensive watch on his wrist was paid for through crypto investments.In a video on his main instagram account, @ryanbabel, the ex-Holland international is shown smoking a cigar and collecting the expensive timepiece from a London jeweller.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBabel commented on the post, “Crypto bought me this watch”, and gave a link to @rbthecrypto.There, followers can find a range of posts and videos, with the man himself giving his tips and insights..In a recent item, Babel warns: “2024 won’t be as straightforward as most of you crypto geniuses think.”But so far his words of wisdom on the financial world have attracted just over 2,000 followers – compared to the 2.1m who follow his original Instagram.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLBabel knows as well as anyone that sometimes you are up, and sometimes you are down.After making his Ajax debut at the age of just 17, he joined Liverpool in 2007 for £11.5m as one of the hottest young talents in world football.Ryan Babel mocks injured Getafe tight back Allan Nyom with fake limp and cry in Ajax’s Europa League lossBabel earned cult status with Reds fans, both on and off the field.After scoring in the quarter final and semi final of the 2007/8 Champions League, arguably his greatest moment in a Liverpool shirt came when he grabbed the winner in a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Anfield in September 2008.The mercurial winger had his ups and downs with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and never consistently lived up to his potential. He went to the 2010 World Cup with Holland, but did not play a single minute in the tournament in South Africa, where the Oranje lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.But Babel delighted Liverpool fans again in January 2011 when he photoshopped the head of referee Howard Webb – now the PGMOL chief – on to a United shirt in a Twitter post after the Reds had lost 1-0 to their rivals in the FA Cup.The FA fined him £10,000 and before the end of the month he left Anfield to join German side TSG Hoffenheim.Over the following decade, Babel played for a further seven clubs as well as returning twice to Ajax, where he won a second Dutch title in 2014.As well as short stays in the United Arab Emirates and La Liga, he enjoyed four separate spells in Turkey, winning a top-flight crown with Besiktas in 2017.That was the year Babel returned to the Dutch squad after an absence of six years and he eventually racked up 69 caps and 10 goals.The winger pitched up at Fulham on a short-term deal in January 2019 but could not stop the Cottagers from making an immediate return to the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter three years at Galatasaray, which included a spell on loan back at Ajax, he spent the final year of his career to date at Eyupspor, a club based in Istanbul.Now his Instagram account describes him as an “entrepreneur”. But critics have a lot less kind ways of describing some of those involved in cryptocurrency.Once a Red, always a Red – Babel sported Liverpool-coloured hair during his Fulham spellCredit: Reuters More

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      Abandoned stadium that shares unique link to Rangers’ ex-chairman and a by-election is now home to Sainsbury’s

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      FOR a generation of modern day football fans, Douglas Park is a Rangers director and former chairman.A wealthy motor trade businessman with a fleet of luxury coaches used by clubs around the country, and various car dealerships selling the latest models on four wheels.
      Douglas Park, home of Hamilton Accies from 1888 until 1994Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      This is also Douglas Park – of Rangers and motor trade fameCredit: SNS
      This is NEW Douglas Park formerly known as Ballast Park – opened in 2001Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      But some of those very cars now park up on the Scottish football site that once shared the same name – right in the middle of Hamilton.
      New Douglas Park is home to Hamilton Accies, and has been since 2001.
      Before then, ‘old’ Douglas Park – the original – was where the Accies played, but it’s now a car park serving shoppers, right next door.
      Meet the new ground, same as the old ground? Just about in geography terms, but very different in reality. It was called Ballast Park in its’ infancy and only has two stands for a start.

      In 1994 the club sold off their ground for £6m to a retail park after 108 years there. Developers built Sainsbury’s, McDonalds and a bingo hall on the site.
      Via ground sharing agreements at Firhill in Glasgow and Cliftonhill, Coatbridge throughout the 90s, Hamilton eventually moved back to where it all began and made a VERY short move north.
      Their new ground – now named just like so – borders their old one at the back of the supermarket – and from the former pitch turned car park you can see the floodlights of the current stadium quite clearly from the penalty box of old one.
      You can hear the cheers, moans and groans of fans on a busy matchday too – although not legendary fan ‘Fergie’.
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      Real name Ian Russell, he honed an infamous reputation for his barracking from the stands – and everyone was a target.
      He became a figure of Scottish football folklore for his loud heckles and language known throughout the country amongst fans and players alike.
      Accies tried to silence him by banning him during their travelling time and Russell ended up in court on a breach of the peace charge and fined £100.
      He said: “When the team is doing badly I can’t control my mouth. If the Accies were doing better, I wouldn’t have to swear.”
      The notorious Accies fan died in 2009, aged 71, with his beloved team in the top flight.
      A huge council car park nearby used to serve the old ground and is still used by buses and supporters’ cars now, but with John Rankin’s team in League One packed Premiership-style attendances have been few and far between recently.
      But fans truly made a noise during the nomadic days with Hamilton re-located for seven years while the new base was built.
      It even became a political campaign in 1999 when an independent by-election candidate Stephen Mungall stood on the promise to bring the club back to town – and picked up more than 1,000 votes.
      The supermarket can be seen taking shape behind goalscorer Marc CorcoranCredit: John Kirkby – The Sun Glasgow
      The Douglas Park pitch is now parking baysCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Famously outspoken Accies fan Fergie (real name Ian Russell)Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The primary school teacher picked up more votes than the club had ‘home’ supporters at the time.
      But now chasing promotion back to the Championship – though 11 points off League One leaders Falkirk, those bigger away crowds could soon be back in south Lanarkshire.
      But only if plastic pitches are allowed in at that stage. There is talk synthetic surfaces must be replaced by grass in the top division in future and Accies have used TigerTurf and various other plastic alternatives for the last 10 years at the 23-year-old ground.
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      To a generation of supporters its’ where Accies have always been, tucked behind Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, but the ghosts of the past are just a mishit shot at goal and a few parking bays away.
      Hamilton fans queue up for the first game at the new ground – a friendly vs Sunderland on July 28, 2001Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Shocking moment young Raith Rovers fan is punched & stamped on in horror attack by Dunfermline thugs after match

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      THIS is the shocking moment a young football fan is punched and stamped on by thugs on his way home from a match. The young Raith Rovers supporter, 18, was at a bus stop waiting to go home after their 2-1 win over Dunfermline when the horror attack happened last night at around 5.30pm.
      A group of thugs attacked a fan after the Dunfermline v Raith Rovers match
      The video was shared on social media following the horror attack
      The game took place at East End Park last nightCredit: The Sun
      The lad was pounced upon by a gang of thugs – understood to be Pars fans – and brutally battered in the street.
      The horrific video was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, and shows the group punching and kicking the young fan while he is lying on the ground.
      As he finally gets to his feet, he is then kicked again and some members of the group can be heard laughing.
      It’s understood the fan’s hearing aid was also broken after the horror attack.

      Police confirmed that the 18-year-old was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.
      Both clubs have since released statements blasting the ugly scenes after the match.
      Dunfermline Athletic confirmed they are aware of the video circulating on social media and said the club condemns all forms of violence.
      And any supporter found to have taken part in the attack will be banned from East End Park.
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      The statement read: “Dunfermline Athletic are aware of a video circulating on social media last night.
      “The club condemns all forms of violence in the strongest possible way and we will support the authorities in identifying any individuals involved.
      “We will work with Raith Rovers to ensure that the supporter involved receives the support they need.
      “Any supporter found to have taken part in this horrible act will be banned from KDM Group East End Park.”
      Last night, Raith Rovers posted their statement on social media which read: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our supporters being assaulted after today’s match.
      “We have contacted the supporter to check on their well-being and to see how we can provide support in any way possible.
      “The incident has been reported to the police and we will work with Dunfermline Athletic to identify the offenders.”
      The Scottish Championship tie took place last night at the KDM Group East End Park in Dunfermline.
      Raith Rovers won the game 2-1 with two goals from Daniel O’Reilly.
      The Kirkcaldy side stay top of the league following the win over their rivals.
      Inspector Neil McGurk said: “We are carrying out enquiries after an 18-year-old man was assaulted in Dunfermline around 5.30pm on Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 following the Dunfermline Athletic v Raith Rovers football fixture.  
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      “He was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.
      “We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will work with both football clubs to identify those responsible”.  More

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      Incredible moment SPFL sub keeper comes on as striker and SCORES 30-yard screamer as fans say ‘he’s better than Dessers’

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      SCOTTISH football, don’t ever change. Just when you thought you had seen it all in the SPFL, up steps Arbroath goalkeeper Ali Adams.
      Arbroath sub goalkeeper Ali Adams bags the screamer
      He lets fly from distance
      Cyriel Dessers endured an uncomfortable afternoon against CelticCredit: Willie Vass
      Playing from 2-0 down against Championship leaders Raith Rovers, with Red Lichties boss Jim McIntyre already having used all three of his named outfield substitutes, he had little choice but to turn to the sub goalkeeper when centre half Aaron Steele went off injured.
      And it proved a masterstroke – because within minutes of coming on, he had lashed in a right-foot screamer from all of 30 yards to give them a lifeline.
      And with Leighton McIntosh following it up with a penalty against a shell-shocked Rovers soon afterwards to earn a point, it is a goal which could have massive ramifications in the title race.
      Dundee Utd made short work of Partick Thistle in the televised match last night.

      Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing, with a few comparing his efforts favourably to what they had just witnessed from hapless Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers.
      One wrote: “This is a goalie… no subs left so they brought on a goalie and he does this!!!! He’s better than Dessers.”
      A second said: “Arbroath keeper can do this and dessers trips over the ball.”
      A third wrote: “Championship keeper is a better striker than Dessers.”
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      A fourth simply: “Get him signed, Rangers”
      “A fifth said: And if Rangers can’t get Shankland, maybe they should go for Arbroath’s sub keeper who’s just come on against Raith as a striker…”
      One fan, sharing the clip of him celebrating, couldn’t help seeing the funny side, saying: “Milking it a bit, isn’t he?”
      The 31 year-old, who has also played with the likes of Musselburgh Athletic, Linlithgow Rose, Tranent JFC, Musselburgh Athletic, Berwick Rangers, Bonnyrigg Rose, Gretna, Bo’ness United and East Fife, had put that Howitzer of a right-foot to good use in the past.
      The former Junior Scottish Cup winner has a 55 yard fee kick goial on his resume from his time at Tranent Juniors.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Billy Gilmour’s brother signs for seventh tier club two years after being tipped to join him in Premier League

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      BILLY GILMOUR was all set to make it a family affair at Chelsea.Just two years ago, the Premier League giants were on the charm offensive to try and tempt younger brother Harvey to join the former Rangers prodigy at Stamford Bridge.
      Harvey Gilmour with brother Billy last year when he signed a deal at Kilmarnock
      Harvey was 15 at the time and there were some who thought he could go on to become even BETTER than his brother.
      A midfielder like Billy, Harvey was starring for the Kilmarnock youth sides and was still on the books at Rugby Park up until the summer just gone.
      Just last year, he signed his first professional contract with older brother Billy there to support him.
      Now 18, Harvey was without a club since July as he waited to make sure his next move was the right one.

      He had been spotted training with Kilwinning Rangers and appeared as a trialist in a game for the West of Scotland Football League First Division outfit a couple of weeks ago.
      The youngster has now signed a contract with the club but he WON’T be playing for the first team right away.
      Instead he will feature for the Buffs’ under-20s team, who play in Conference D of the West of Scotland Football Development League.
      Harvey’s new team currently sit top of the table, two points clear of Bonnyton Thistle (though they have played two games more).
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      Other names familiar to fans of junior football populate the division with Auchinleck Talbot, Darvel and Cumnock being some of the teams Harvey will come up against.
      Should he make the step up to the senior team, he could face the likes of Petershill, Rutherglen Glencairn and Shotts Bon Accord at Buffs Park.
      Also in the same league are uber-ambitious Johnstone Burgh, who over the summer signed Kyle Lafferty and Graham Dorrans.

      Kilwinning Rangers Under-20s said in a statement on social media: “We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder @harveygilmourrr from Kilmarnock FC. Another fantastic prospect, we are thrilled Harvey has decided to come to @steadythebuffs to play his football amidst interest from a number of other very good teams.”
      Billy himself was spotted training with a team outside of the SPFL in the off-season, working on his fitness with Glenafton Athletic as he prepared for the upcoming campaign with Brighton.
      He’s also taken in some matches involving local team Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the past.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More