SM
Barcelona vs. Valencia: 4 hrs 14 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data

James McPake has 'absolutely no concerns' playing Leigh Griffiths against Gers

:Headline: James McPake has 'absolutely no concerns' playing Leigh Griffiths against Gers:
The on-loan Celtic striker has been charged by police after kicking a smoke bomb into a stand housing St Johnstone fans.
Sports Mole

Dundee manager James McPake insists he has no worries about playing Leigh Griffiths against Rangers.

The striker has been charged by police after kicking a smoke bomb into a stand housing St Johnstone fans on Wednesday night.

The Scotland international had earlier declared he had only meant to remove the item from the pitch after it was thrown on following Saints' first goal in their 2-0 win at Dens Park in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.

However, a Police Scotland spokesperson said on Friday: "Police Scotland can confirm that a 31-year-old man has been charged in relation to culpable and reckless conduct, following an incident at Dens Park, Dundee, on Wednesday, September 22. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Despite the charge, McPake insists he has no plans to leave the on-loan Celtic striker out of Saturday's Dens Park showdown with Rangers.

"I have absolutely no concerns about playing Leigh," McPake said.

"I had no concern about playing Paul McMullan against Dundee United last weekend whatsoever.

"And I have no concerns about playing Leigh Griffiths against Rangers, Hearts, whoever it is.

"I know Leigh as a character and he'll handle the occasion."

The smoke bomb incident – which happened shortly after Shaun Rooney had opened the scoring for Saints – was filmed by a supporter and posted on social media.

Dundee issued a statement on Thursday in which Griffiths apologised for his actions.

It read: "Dundee Football Club and Leigh Griffiths would like to address a regrettable incident which occurred during last night's Premier Sports Cup tie with St Johnstone at the Kilmac Stadium.

"Following the opening goal a smoke generator, among other items, was thrown onto the park by the visiting supporters. This pyrotechnic ended up back in the stand as Leigh kicked it to remove it from the field of play."

Griffiths added: "It was regrettable that the pyrotechnic ended up back in the stand as my intention was just to remove it from the pitch.

"Having just lost a goal I was eager to get the match restarted as quickly as possible and I would like to apologise for any distress caused by this action."

Griffiths could also face Scottish Football Association disciplinary action but the police charge could delay that process.

body check tags ::

amp_article__465279 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-09-24 19:31:40:
html db last update - 2021-09-24 19:15:17 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html

Click here for more stories about Leigh Griffiths

Click here for more stories about Dundee

Share this article now:
GV
Read Next:
Stephen Glass delighted to have Ryan Hedges available again against St Mirren
>


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Leigh Griffiths James McPake Paul McMullan Football
Follow @SportsMole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
Recommended Next on SM
Stephen Glass delighted to have Ryan Hedges available again against St Mirren
Video: Thiago Silva confirms Chelsea exit in emotional farewell video

Page options

Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic110082275581
2RangersRangers110074245078
3Hearts101046341263
4Kilmarnock10104334952
5St Mirren10013945-643
6Dundee10014556-1141
Relegation Group
1Hibernian11004752-542
2Aberdeen11003649-1338
3Motherwell10014652-637
4St Johnstone10012549-2431
5Ross County10013258-2630
6Livingston11002459-3521
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

This weekend's permutations: Who can be crowned champions, win promotion or suffer relegation?

1

TW

Four players who could replace Thiago Silva at Chelsea

2

FP

Kevin De Bruyne breaks Premier League assist record in Forest win

NEW

3

KD

World Cup winner responds to Barcelona transfer speculation

4

WC

Arsenal-linked midfielder addresses future with Ligue 1 club

5

AM

Colwill, Chilwell, Gusto - Chelsea injury news and return dates before Spurs clash

6

CC

Preview: Dortmund vs. PSG - prediction, team news, lineups

7

PD

AC Milan 'lining up move for Aston Villa man'

8

AM

Video: Thiago Silva confirms Chelsea exit in emotional farewell video

9

VT

Arsenal, Tottenham 'battling for 18-year-old West Ham starlet'

10

AT


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .