Thistle supporter blasted for Central Park spit shame

Sep 2 2010 By Fraser Wilson

Craig Hinchcliffe

PARTICK THISTLE chairman Allan Cowan has lambasted the Jags supporter who spat on sub goalkeeper Craig Hinchcliffe after Saturday's defeat at Cowdenbeath.

The Firhill club have decided not to probe the vile actions any further as they can't identify the culprit but Cowan today slammed the incident as "deplorable".

It occurred as Thistle players trudged off the park past the travelling support after the 2-1 defeat at Central Park - their third loss in the space of seven days.

Frustrated fans who had made the journey to Fife let their feelings be known but, among the angry scenes, one supporter targeted keeper coach Hinchcliffe, pictured, with a revolting mouthful.

Cowan said: "There's no place for this in football or any walk of life - such actions are deplorable.

"Craig Hinchcliffe is a nice guy and did not want to make a fuss about the incident but for it to happen to anyone is inexcusable.

"We understand supporters pay a lot of money to follow the team and they are entitled to have their say but these actions are not acceptable."

The Firhill chairman claimed Thistle couldn't identify the culprit but vowed to clamp down if there was ever a repeat.

He added: "Unfortunately there's not a lot we can do about it as we don't know who was guilty. But whoever it was must know it is just completely out of order.

"I would always hope the supporters could police themselves and if such actions were to happen again then someone would notice and report the individual to the club."