A kids football team has been shown the red card by South Lanarkshire Council – after some young players were caught short on the pitch.
Drumsagard 2013s, a team comprising boys aged six and seven, received a six-month ban after a couple of the youngsters relieved themselves outside the council’s Newton Farm training facility.
Furious parent helpers say the incident occurred because they could not get access to the indoor toilets, as the staff member who was on duty did not answer the door.
They say that left the children in an uncomfortable situation, one which has been compounded by the subsequent ban.
Charles Clark, whose grandson plays for the team and regularly helps them out, blasted the local authority.
He fumed: “The council should be hanging their heads in shame over this.
“This is a big part of the children’s lives and they were so excited to be back playing football again. Now they are all upset.
“What happened was, kids were being taken to use the facilities but there was no answer at the door. This isn’t the first time that has happened.
“Obviously, this meant there were young children getting upset and in a lot of discomfort.
“They are just young boys who aren’t old enough to know any better, and a couple of them then went outside.
“It seemed a better decision than having them in such distress.”
Charles went on: “The following week we were told that there had been complaints which led to the six-month ban.
“There should have been someone there to open the door and let the boys in and the problem would have been avoided.”
The youngsters are now having to train on open grass behind St Charles’ Primary School.
Charles added: “It’s not ideal, with the nights getting darker. They really need some proper pitches with floodlights to play and practice on.”
The Reformer understands two complaints were made about the incident.
David Booth, general manager of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, said: “We can confirm that during our investigation into representations from neighbours of the Newton Farm community facility, the organisers of the club did not dispute the basis of the complaints and agreed that access to toilet facilities had been available on the date in question. On that basis we had no option but to take action.
“We have advised the club of the appeals process and should they choose to lodge an appeal we will be able to take into account any mitigating circumstances they might feel are relevant, including the young age of the children”
