SFA hits troubled Whitehill striker McIntosh with 12-game ban

McIntosh, who has already been suspended twice this season, is currently serving a four-match suspension which will expire after Welfare play their last game of the season against Preston Athletic tomorrow. However, the striker who joined Whitehill at the beginning of the season from Lothian Thistle, was given a straight red card against Edinburgh University when they met in a league match at Rosewell ten days ago. He had already been cautioned in the game before his red card was issued for using offensive and abusive language.

McIntosh's frustration at not having been awarded a penalty which he thought he was entitled to boiled over in the game and he was reported by the match official for adopting a threatening and aggressive attitude as well as a second outburst of offensive and abusive language. The totting up procedure utilised by the SFA and, taking into account his previous disciplinary record, means that he now faces a 12-match suspension which will see him miss the first three months of next season. It is also likely that he will be called before the SFA's Disciplinary Committee.

Rab Finlay, Whitehill's joint manager, said: "The way that Wayne reacted was not acceptable to Whitehill Welfare Football Club.

"No player should conduct themselves in that manner and we cannot condone any player who behaves in that way. We have yet to sit down with Wayne and discuss his future."