Elgin City secured a 1-1 draw against rivals St Mirren at the last minute. But tempers boiled over following the final whistle, with both teams squaring off and shoving each other
A women’s football match descended into chaos after a dramatic last-minute equaliser sparked chaos on the pitch between players. Elgin City scored right at the death to secure a 1-1 draw against rivals St Mirren last Sunday (May 10).
But after the final whistle, tempers boiled over with players from both sides squaring off and shoving each other. Several ended up on the floor as the clash escalated and the referee was forced to intervene, issuing two red cards.
Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) confirmed it is reviewing footage of the incident and could take further disciplinary action. In a statement, the organisation said: “This season has produced the tightest title race in the league’s history, and while it is understandable that tensions will run high, violent conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the women’s and girls’ game, especially in such a showcase fixture.
“In accordance with our rules and the standards we expect in our game, SWF will review the footage and referee’s report in full before any further action.” The controversy came after Elgin scored deep into stoppage time at their home ground Gleaner Arena, taking them to the brink of the SWF League One crown.
Lily Morrison’s dramatic goal is said to have sparked fury in the St Mirren team, who believed referee John Falconer had blown for full-time when play was paused during stoppage time. Instead, the official penalised St Mirren for dissent, showed a yellow card and awarded Elgin a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.
Morrison scored seven minutes into stoppage time to rescue a point for the home side. St Mirren protested, insisting the offence should only have resulted in an indirect free kick and the equaliser should be disallowed.
The draw means Elgin need just one point at home to Queen of the South this Sunday to clinch the title in their debut national league campaign.
St Mirren and Dunipace are both three points behind heading into the final weekend of the season. Even if Elgin lose, either rival would need a high-scoring victory to snatch the championship.
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