Anger after Fife memorial to Celtic legend vandalised

Locals in Cardenden have hit out at the vandals who threw red and blue paint over a town memorial to a Celtic football hero.
Vandals threw blue and red paint over  the sign which showsThomson's face. Pic: Cardenden Community CouncilVandals threw blue and red paint over  the sign which showsThomson's face. Pic: Cardenden Community Council
Vandals threw blue and red paint over the sign which showsThomson's face. Pic: Cardenden Community Council

The shock incident, which came to light this week, saw paint being thrown over the 3G pitch which is named after the legendary goalkeeper John Thomson.

A sign, which shows Thomson’s face, was also vandalised along with a fence and artificial grass.

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The pitch was opened at Wallsgreens last year by Celtic captain Scott Brown following a fundraising drive.

Paint was also thrown over the fence and artificial grass. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.Paint was also thrown over the fence and artificial grass. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.
Paint was also thrown over the fence and artificial grass. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.

The 3G pitch is a tribute to the local goalkeeper who died aged 22 after tackling Rangers player Sam English during an Old Firm derby on September 5, 1931.

Members of Cardenden Community Council have posted images of the vandalism on Facebook.

In a statement, a spokesman wrote: “Mindless vandals have tried their best to ruin our 3G pitch at Wallsgreens.

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“This hard fought for pitch took over 30 years to achieve for our community. Cardenden has a proud heritage in the field of football with talented players who played for all of the top teams including achieving caps for Scotland.

The incident happened earlier this week. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.The incident happened earlier this week. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.
The incident happened earlier this week. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.

“The actions of the vandals who have done this will not break the good community spirit in the Cardenden. They have in fact impacted mainly on the people who the pitch was built for, our young people. Obviously there will have to be some time to have the pitch repaired.”

The spokesman added: “We hope that the Community can pull together and identify who did this and ensure that legal action is taken against the perpetrators.

“If you have any information as to who may be responsible please contact Police Scotland or you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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People responded to the post and spoke of their anger at the incident. One said: “Absolutely terrible what they have done to the pitch. All that money spent so to (sic) rags can vandalise the park. Disgraceful.”

Paint was also thrown over the fence and artificial grass. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.Paint was also thrown over the fence and artificial grass. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.
Paint was also thrown over the fence and artificial grass. Pic: Cardenden Community Council.

Another wrote: “Absolutely disgusted by this and feel sickened at the idea that anyone from the area would be so selfish and irresponsible.

“Hope that if those responsible brag about their efforts, those around them will do the right thing and report it.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police in Fife have received a report of vandalism to a memorial in the Wallsgreen Park area of Cardenden.

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“Inquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2216 of 20 March.

“Alternatively a report can be made to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”