Ancrum parents angry over alleged crowd misconduct at U14s football final

There looks set to be a probe into alleged controversial scenes at a youth football cup final involving a Borders squad

Ancrum Junior FC U14s were playing Musselburgh Windsor Community FC’s 2007 Blues team at Olive Bank – in Musselburgh – in the final of the David Innes Cup.

However, some of the Borders club’s followers made claims of hooligan-like behaviour during the game by a number of youths supporting the East Lothian team and said match officials had not halted the match or done anything to control the alleged disturbances.

It’s understood an email has already been sent on Ancrum’s behalf to a league official, highlighting concerns and issues, while others connected with the club indicated on social media that the matter would be reported to the Scottish Football Association.

It’s been claimed a crowd of over 60 youths were taunting the Ancrum players and throwing coins at them, breaking barriers, storming the pitch on occasions, and gathering behind one of the goals to harass an Ancrum player who was taking a penalty.

No action was taken by the officials, it was alleged, while it was also felt the game – which Musselburgh won 3-2 – should have been played on a neutral ground.

The young Ancrum players were praised for handling the match well and showing “heart and respect” by applauding Musselburgh at the end, in spite of the alleged abuse.

Ancrum U14s coach Will Wardrop declined to comment on the allegations or the club’s approach to the authorities, instead praising his players for getting to the final and exiting with their heads held high.

In March 2020, he said, when they were U13s, they reached two cup finals before Covid-19 put an end to their progress and an end to the season.

"So, this season, the U14s did really well, getting ourselves into the David Innes Cup Final and finishing really well in our league,” he added.

"In the cup final, they showed some very good determination. We were really proud of them, during the game and after game. They were very respectful of Musselburgh Windsor Blues and they portrayed the club in a good light. They were very graceful runners-up.”

The SYFA has been contacted for a reaction, while a representative of Musselburgh Windsor CFC 2007 Blues said: “There were loads of club officials as well as SERYFA (Scottish East Region Youth Football Association) officials in attendance last night.

"I'm sure if there was anything untoward or over the top reported, or witnessed, it would be thoroughly investigated.”