NLL to pursue harassment case despite Motherwell FC apology

Dec 2 2010 By Andrew Weston

Craig Brown

NORTH Lanarkshire Leisure (NLL) still intends to investigate an alleged stand-off between a Motherwell FC coach and a receptionist at Ravenscraig Sports Centre on Tuesday despite an apology from Steelmen manager Craig Brown.

Whilst Brown described the incident as "a minor situation blown out of all proportion," NLL chairman Jim Logue feels they have no option but to pursue the incident further.

It comes after the former Scotland manager's claims the not-for-profit organisation were 'foolish' for not supporting the local club after they were refused use of the new Ravenscraig indoor sports facility on Tuesday despite his belief the facility was 'half-empty'.

Brown also felt his club were being priced out of using the facility on a regular basis.

The chairman of NLL Jim Logue hit back, branding the 70-year-old's comments 'disgusting', claiming ongoing talks between the two parties about the use of Ravenscraig may now be terminated, adding they were set to pursure an incident 'in the context of our non-harassment policy.' 

Motherwell FC issued a statement in response to the Councillor's comments and whilst communication channels have since re-opened between the two parties, NLL will still be pursing a harassment case against the Motherwell FC coach, believed to be Archie Knox.

Motherwell Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “Motherwell Football Club enjoys a very positive relationship with our local council and we are working very hard to make a deeper partnership work for everyone.

“We have a number of ideas being worked on at present and will only be able to succeed in them if we deliver positively for the Council's agenda as well as our own which I know we can.

“The Ravenscraig site is a hugely positive asset for Lanarkshire and Scotland and for sport and football in particular. 

"We want to play our part in making it an even bigger success and hope we can draw a line under this incident and move forward together.”

Manager Craig Brown added, “The team are chomping at the bit following last Sunday’s postponement and emotions were running high yesterday (Tuesday) with everyone desperate to train in spite of the recent inclement weather.

“However, those frustrations should not have been taken out on North Lanarkshire Leisure, or the Council, and, as a club, we wish to make clear our unreserved apology that a minor situation has been blown out of all proportion.”

NLL's Jim Logue responded saying: "The chief executive of Motherwell FC has been in contact with me today to stress that those comments (made on Tuesday) do not represent the views of the club regarding our partnership. Further to that, Motherwell FC have released a statement this afternoon clarifying the club's position.

"In that context, I sincerely hope that Motherwell FC and North Lanarkshire Leisure can continued those discussions on a positive footing.

"While I welcome Motherwell's more conciliatory approach during the course of today, we have no option but to now investigate this (incident) in the context of our non-harassment policy. We will be making representations to the Motherwell chief executive in this regard in due course.

- Brown's comments disgusting says councillor: http://bit.ly/fP9CTH