Glasgow bid to add to Ospreys' £100k woe

GLASGOW go into the biggest match in their history tonight with a psychological edge after Magners League semi-final opponents Ospreys were last night hammered with a record £100,000 fine and docked four points for failing to fulfil a fixture against Ulster in March.

The points deduction has been held over until next season, frustratingly for Glasgow, as the Scots would have had home advantage for tonight's game if a penalty had been applied to Ospreys' 2009-2010 tally.

Ironically, the hearing itself was postponed from an earlier date due to the volcanic ash disruption of flights, and had it been held last month when intended the Ospreys may have lost four points immediately.

Ospreys, who have the right of appeal, were punished after failing to play their Magners League clash against Ulster in Belfast on 19 March – a game originally postponed in January due to bad weather – when they claimed they lacked sufficient front-row players to fulfil the fixture.

A three-man Celtic Rugby disciplinary panel reached its decision following a complaint lodged by the Magners League tournament director. "The disciplinary panel found the Ospreys breached the tournament rules, and consequently their actions amounted to misconduct," said Celtic Rugby, in a statement.

The Welsh 'superteam' have named a full-strength line-up brimming with internationals for tonight's game, while Glasgow have admitted defeat in their bid to have Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter fit, and will start instead with Mark McMillan in the No 9 jersey alongside Dan Parks in a combination leaving Glasgow this summer.

There have been slow ticket sales – only 8,000 of the Liberty Stadium's 20,500 capacity so far – but 1,000 Scots are expected to make the trip. Glasgow supporters staying at home also received a boost yesterday with BBC Alba agreeing a late deal to broadcast the game live tonight.

Glasgow captain Al Kellock said "There is a great feeling now we're here in Wales. We can't wait to take them on and try and create a bit of history for Scottish rugby."