Groundsman Is Dozy Rugger

Jan 13 2008 By William Dick And Ian Gilmour

Sru Official Forgot To Turn On Heating Says Thistle Chief

FURIOUS Partick Thistle chief Allan Cowan last night blamed a dozy rugby groundsman for his side's last-gasp Scottish Cup call-off.

Thistle's fourth-round clash with Dunfermline was postponed just 75 minutes before kick-off yesterday because of a frozen pitch at Firhill.

And the Jags were raging with rugby tenants Glasgow Warriors after a Scottish Rugby Union groundsman forgot to turn on the undersoil heating on Friday night.

Chairman Cowan revealed: "The match has been called off because a groundsman misjudged the weather.

"He didn't expect it to be so cold overnight and also expected the weather to be sunnier this afternoon which would clear the frost.

"Grounds haring with the Warriors means the SRU are responsible for maintenance of the pitch. Our own regular groundsman is no longer in day-to-day control.

"The under soil heating wasn't switched on until first thing this morning. It's a lesson learned.

"You can bet you're bottom dollar knuckles will be rapped for this."

The game will now go ahead on January 22 and Cowan claimed the call-off will cost the club a fortune.

He said: "There will be a smaller crowd, fewer away supporters and we have to pay for police and stewards."

Dunfermline boss Jim McIntrye was surprised the game didn't go ahead but insisted ref Scott MacDonald had no option.

He said: "It's surprising the ground is so hard but the pitch was dangerous.

"The fact it was called off so late could probably have been handled a little better but they gave the game every chance."

Jags gaffer Ian McCall sympathised with the fans before heading off to watch Hamilton's tie with Brechin.

He said: "I feel sorry for supporters of both clubs because everyone was looking forward to the game."

Pars fans blasted Thistle after claiming they phoned the club earlier and were told the game was ON.

Punter Gordon Smith, 27, said: "It's a disgrace. If they had called it off earlier it would have saved an unnecessary expense.

"Many of the buses set off at midday and there was due to be a travelling support of over 2,000.

"I don't think I'll bother coming for the rearranged match and I'm sure others feel the same way."

Furious Thistle fan Richie Cook, 28, claimed the incident had embarrassed the club.

He said: "It's absolutely outrageous. You'd need to be Stevie Wonder to see it wasn't going to be frosty.

"How they can't forecast the weather I don't know.

"It's pure negligence and incompetence. This is the one Saturday in the season all Thistle fans look forward to.

"However, this ineptitude has cost the club money as well as causing major embarrassment."

Fellow diehard Alex Macdonald reckons his club are now the laughing stock of Scottish football.

He said: "It's a complete farce. Someone should pay for this - heads must roll.

"Partick are no longer the cuddly toy of Scottish football, they are the laughing stock."

The Firhill pitch has deteriorated in recent months thanks to a steady diet of rugby and football action.

And the ground now faces the prospect of hosting four matches in nine days.

Glasgow's showdown with Saracens on Friday will be swiftly followed by Thistle's league game against Hamilton.

The rearranged cup tie is up next before another league clash with Livingston.