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Scottish football club left ‘devastated’ after vandals set fire to pitch

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8 hours ago

October 5, 2024

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Scottish football club left ‘devastated’ after vandals set fire to pitch

A FOOTBALL club from Glasgow have been left outraged after finding their home pitch destroyed by youths, leaving the surface unplayable.

Drumchapel United have posted a statement on social media urging anyone with information to get in contact after youths caused fire damage at the Donald Dewar Pitches in the west end.

The pitch was severely damaged

Youths set fire to the surface with fireworks

The pitch will be out of use for the foreseeable future

The West of Scotland Premier Division side, which have three former Rangers players in their ranks, have hit out at those involved for their “devastating act of vandalism” and have provided details on the individuals involved.

Pictures show three separate scorch marks on the artificial turf and the club claim the same youths returned to commit further damage, but officials were already at the scene.

The grassroots football club was founded in 2001 and have more than 500 players with boys and girls teams starting from the age of six.

The “mindless act” has now left those sides without a home playing surface for the foreseeable future, until they can repair the damage.

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Drumchapel were promoted to the sixth tier of Scottish football this season after winning the West of Scotland Football League First Division last term.

They added great experience to their team in the summer with the arrival of Rangers hero Nacho Novo as coach.

Fellow ex-Gers stars David Templeton and Gregg Wylde also play for them, while Ally McCoist‘s son Argyll recently joined them too.

A statement from the club on social media read: “We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts following the recent fire set at the Donald Dewar Pitches last night at 8:45pm and again at 12:15pm this afternoon, a devastating act of vandalism that has deeply affected Drumchapel United Football Club.

“As a hub for sports and community engagement, our club provides training sessions and games seven days a week, catering to players of all ages and abilities, including walking football and disability football programs.

“This mindless act not only disrupts our club’s activities but also impacts the wider community, including local schools that rely on our facilities to host their tournaments.

“The loss is felt far beyond just the physical damage; it hampers our ability to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our young athletes and community members who look to us for support and development.

“We believe that again this afternoon they came back to do it again but this time we were on the pitch at 2:36pm.

“It is two young boys aged between 11-13 who let of a rocket in Southdeen park and still had another three or four of them in there hand when they came on to the path running alongside the Astro pitch.

“We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward. Your assistance is crucial in helping us rebuild and continue our mission to foster a love for the sport and a sense of community.

“Together, we can overcome this setback and ensure that the Donald Dewar Pitches remain a place for everyone to enjoy.

“Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Drumchapel United Football Club.”