91181
21-05-2009, 11:32 AM
SPL ref Stuart Dougal scraps a gig at Larkhall Masonic lodge before Old Firm title deciders
www.thesun.co.uk ( scroll down to the scotish sun section near the bottom of the page )
Reading todays Sun i came accross this story, but when i clicked on the link it tells me an errer has occured due to cookies , i was just wondering if anyone else gets the same messege, and can i change my settings or something so i can view it ? :confused:
Being a footie fan and a having a keen interest in Masonry im intrigued as to what the full story is all about ?
clozaril
21-05-2009, 11:34 AM
yeah i can't get it either maybe it blocks english ip addresses ?
redtree999
21-05-2009, 12:11 PM
No problems from Nottingham. Here's the text.
http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/article2440691.ece
FURIOUS referee Stuart Dougal last night put the boot into his critics after he was forced to scrap a gig at a Masonic lodge.
Controversial whistler Dougal pulled out of the charity event after his appearance was slammed by football fans, including Celtic supporters.
But he hit out at suggestions of “bias and conspiracy” over his planned speaking engagement tomorrow night in Larkhall, Lanarkshire.
The dinner is just hours before Celtic and Rangers play their final SPL games to decide the title.
Raging Dougal, 46 — who retired from the game this week — said: “I wish the organisers every success for the night and have a simple message to the people who feel the need to always look for bias and conspiracy.
“It is 2009 and I thought that we had moved away from this type of thing.”
‘ I do not want to give any fuel to people who live their lives in the belief that everything revolves around conspiracy theories ’
He added: “Like most senior and ex-referees, I get asked to speak at charity events and dinners across Scotland.
“Although the event was at a Masonic hall, I was assured by the organisers that it was not a Masonic event and that the aim of the night was to raise money for charity.
“It is with some deep regret that I have informed the organisers that I will now not be able to take part.
“I do not want to give any fuel to people who live their lives in the belief that everything revolves around conspiracy theories, nor do I want my appearance to detract from the aims of the event — which is to raise money for charity.”
Last night a source close to the Glasgow ref said he had been left upset by the backlash over the dinner in the Rangers-daft town.
He said: “Basically, Stuart was very worried when he realised the connotations of going to this bash.
“But at the end of the day what he chooses to do in his spare time is his own business.”
The furore comes just days after Dougal admitted he was wrong to red card Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra during last weekend’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox.
Dougal had been billed to appear at the £25-a-head sportsman’s dinner alongside ex-Scotland boss Craig Brown and comedian Bert Allan.
But when his appearance emerged, angry fans bombarded message boards on the lodge and soccer websites.
One — posting under the user name Jamie — said: “Shame on you Stuart Dougal. At best ill-timed, at worst confirmation of the level of corruption in Scottish football. Enjoy your meal.”
Last night Bruce Brownlie, 46, the St Thomas Lodge Immediate Past Master, said the event might now be scrapped because of Dougal’s withdrawal.
Mr Brownlie added: “On the website there has been a lot of abuse from so-called Celtic supporters — we can’t be sure if they are.
“The Masonic lodge does a lot for charity and indeed the sportsman’s dinner would have raised a great deal for charity.
“We don’t know what will happen now that Mr Dougal has pulled out.
“It may be that the night is cancelled and if that is the case it will be the charities who lose out.”
He added: “Just to put the record straight — the Masonic order is a non-sectarian organisation.
“We are not even aware if Mr Dougal is a member of the Masonic order. It is just a real pity that these people have come forward with these comments and forced Mr Dougal to take this action.”
Dougal — who was due to end his career after this weekend’s SPL finale — brought forward his retirement following the weekend’s controversies.
He cited “personal reasons” for his decision.
On Saturday, he sent off Bougherra following a clash with Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield.
But he later stated the Rangers player should not have been red-carded. Dougal also dismissed Dons defender Charlie Mulgrew after he went head-to head with Ibrox star Kyle Lafferty.
Lafferty fell theatrically to the ground, clutching his face — but TV pictures showed there was no contact.
Dougal also admitted afterwards Mulgrew shouldn’t have been sent off.
The ref officiated at 12 Old Firm matches after starting his career in 1985.
Rangers stronghold Larkhall has been at the centre of several controversies over the years — including council chiefs installing wire grilles to protect green traffic lights from yobs.