Largs Thistle boss given touchline ban over minute's applause

Davidson said the tribute to Pat Rall before the match against Clydebank on August 12 "only lasted 34 seconds".

The Thistle manager was not in the dug-out for Saturday's 3-1 win over Hurlford United at Barrfields, and had to stand in the terraces to watch the game with supporters.

At Pat Rall's funeral last month, Largs paid its final respects to Pat, aged 77, whose joyful, witty and funny personality will be much missed by all who knew him.

Campbell Crawford, Stuart Davidson and Pat Rall (Image: Largs Thistle FC)
Thistle management and players formed a guard of honour at Pat's funeral at the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium, after the cortege passed his beloved Barrfields Park for one final time.

Asked about the incident which has resulted in his suspension from the dugout, Davidson said: "We were due to hold a minute's applause for Pat Rall before the recent Clydebank game at Barrfields Park.

"However, it was only 34 seconds. Obviously I thought it should be a minute's applause, and I thought it was cut short, and looking back it was only 34 seconds.

"It happened to be the same referee on the following Wednesday, when we travelled to Beith, so I asked him why was it so short, and I have ended up with a ban for two games because of it.

"I asked him the question in a good manner - there was no abuse, no swearing or anything like that.

"It ended up a one-game suspension, but because the club appealed it, it has ended up a two game ban.

"I was only asking the question - why was the minute's applause so short? I was told that a minute wasn't mandatory.

"I think the referee thought I was questioning his integrity, and that is why I got reported.

"I just asked the question - and ended up with a two game ban for it."

The Scottish FA have been contacted for comment.