Accies urge Setanta: Help us put our coin shame yob in frame

Mar 5 2009 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

SETANTA have been asked to help identify the yob who threw the coin that hit David Weir during Accies’ game against Rangers at New Douglas Park on Saturday.

The television company are believed to have film of the on-field clash that led to the melee during which the coin was thrown.

Accies and the police feel the footage may include pictures of the fan who threw the 5p.

Neither Weir nor Rangers complained about the incident, but both the police and the club are carrying out an investigation to find the supporter responsible.

Accies chairman Ronnie MacDonald is ready to ban the coin-thrower from New Douglas Park for life.

He said: “This is totally unacceptable and will be dealt with.

“Our supporters have been great all season. They have been very well-behaved and we will not have one idiot spoil it.

“We will hunt him down and hand him over to the police.

“He will be banned from the stadium for life as long as I have anything to do with it.”

A club-record crowd of 5895 were at New Douglas Park on Saturday to see the lunchtime televised SPL game that ended in a 1-0 defeat for Accies.

The coin was thrown shortly after an 84th minute incident in which Accies’ captain Alex Neil went in for a strong challenge on Steven Naismith in front of the packed main stand.

During the melee, the coin was thrown and hit Weir before Neil and Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson were booked by referee Craig Thomson.

After being hit, fans saw Weir feel behind his ear and look for signs of blood. The big defender then picked up the coin and handed it to a Rangers official.

Accies’ secretary Scott Struthers said the club had not been reported to the Scottish Football Association as a result of the incident.

He added: “We have made investigations into the incident and from several of our own supporters, we have a matching description.”

Chief inspector Tom Aitken, of Hamilton Police, said officers and stewlards made inquiries on the day but were unable to identify the yob.

CCTV pictures had been viewed but these had also failed to assist the investigation. CI Aitken added: “Setanta are now going to review the whole incident and see if the footage that they have catches the coin-throwing.

“If we are able to identify the person responsible for this then they will be charged and reported to the procurator fiscal.”

Accies have urged anybody who knows the person who threw the coin to contact Mr Struthers at scott@acciesfc.co.uk, scott.sas@blueyonder.co.uk, call 01698 368652 or text 07860 690795.