Probe launched over Spartans brawl

Published on Wednesday 4 November 2009 08:55

JUNIOR football bosses have launched a probe into an ugly brawl that left one Livingston United player with a broken nose and contributed to the resignation of the Spartans management team.

Spartans manager Mark Lamb and his No.2 Jimmy Rae quit after Saturday's East Region South Division clash at Ainslie Park, which finished 2-2, was held up for ten minutes as all 22 players plus benches squared up.

Rae was red-carded for his retaliation after allegedly being spat on.

Lamb later claimed the incident was the final straw in what has been an increasingly "frustrating" time as boss of Spartans – a first venture by the famous Capital club into the Junior ranks

Lamb said: "The junior side has had little support from the club and we have been left to get on with it. What happened on Saturday wasn't the only reason we resigned, but it was a case of our frustrations boiling over."

Assistant Rae claimed he had been spat on and added: "I would challenge anyone who did that. My frustrations boiled over, but everyone else joined in and I had to go to the hospital with a dislocated shoulder."

East Region Disciplinary Secretary Alec Hamilton confirmed that Rae had been red-carded for allegedly punching United captain John Clifford. He added: "This was a very serious incident, and both clubs will be asked for their version of events. The East Region will then decide what action to take."

Trouble flared in the first half when United's Vinnie Conway pushed Spartans' Jordan Steel to the ground after the Spartans defender refused to release the ball for a free-kick.

Players from both sides became involved and, when the dust settled, referee Scott Jamieson sent off both players plus Rae.

A statement on the Spartans club website read: "We are disappointed to announce that Mark Lamb has decided to leave his position as manager of Spartans Juniors.

"Mark has done an excellent job in his time with us and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best for the future."

United Secretary Scott Burgess said his club were anticipating an investigation. He added: "I expect the Association to ask us for our version of events."