Falkirk friendly against star-studded Flamengo 'wide of the mark' as Bairns head for Portugal pre-season trip
Falkirk heading to Portgual for pre-season training camp - but Flamengo friendly not pencilled in.
Falkirk will head to Portugal for a pre-season training camp at the end of June - but no friendly against a star-studded Flamengo has been organised.
The Bairns, who finished in the Scottish Premiership’s top six last term after returning to the top flight following a 15-year absence, have been on the rise under John McGlynn’s management over the past four campaigns. And the club have been able to reward the backroom team and playing staff with week or so in the Algarve sun.
Falkirk fans have been hoping for a glamour friendly against Brazilian side Flamengo after rumours surfaced online earlier this week that the Bairns would take on the Rio de Janeiro giants. The Rubro-Negro, who sit second in the Brasileirão league table, have a pre-season camp planned in the region during a mid-season World Cup break. The likes of Italian midfielder Jorginho, former West Ham star Lucas Paqueta and ex-Juventus ace Alex Sandro play for the Maracana men.
However, the Falkirk Herald understands that no such fixture has been organised at this time, and that McGlynn’s group will already be back in Scotland for the first weekend of July - when the supposed clash was suggested to be pencilled in for. Instead, it is likely that the Bairns will take on an SPFL side to prepare for the Premier Sports Cup group stages, which kick off the following Saturday with a trip to Scottish League Two team Edinburgh City.
Meanwhile, the Bairns’ hierarchy has expressed its frustration against the severity of the sanction imposed by the Scottish FA following the Stenhousemuir Scottish Cup tie back in February. The use of pyrotechnic devices had been sanctioned by the governing body in April - and the club sought to appeal what they felt was a harsh fine of £500 and a suspended stadium closure.
Twenty-five per cent of the Falkirk Stadium could be closed for a future cup match if there was a repeat before the end of the 2027/28 season. And club chiefs asked the Scottish FA why they had been dealt a “disproportionate” sanction. They again also pleaded with supporters to refrain from using such devices.
A spokesperson said: “Falkirk Football Club can confirm that our appeal against the severity of the sanction imposed by The Scottish FA following our Scottish Cup Tie with Stenhousemuir has been rejected.
“In April, the club announced that following several pyrotechnic devices being used at the Stenhousemuir Scottish Gas Scottish Cup game, we had been fined £500 and given a suspended penalty whereby 25% of our stadium could be closed for a future cup match if there was a repeat before the end of the 2027/28 season.
Falkirk challenge Scottish FA for ‘unfair’ penalty
“This could see the North or Kevin McAllister Stands closed completely, or up to 50% of the Main Stand, resulting in significant financial damage for the club and the visiting team. With this in mind, we appealed the severity of the 25% reduction in capacity, and asked for the SFA’s advice on what they believe the club could reasonably have done differently to prevent the devices being used, which we are still waiting for.
“Falkirk FC remains committed to working proactively with other clubs, security partners and the footballing authorities to prevent similar incidents in future. We will continue to engage with supporters’ groups and relevant authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for all.
“Despite our view remaining that the sanction was disproportionate and having received no clear explanation of what the club could have done differently to prevent the incident, it is clear that the football authorities are taking a stringent line on incidents like this. We therefore ask again that all supporters refrain from using pyrotechnic devices at any games to avoid further sanctions that could harm the club, as well as the obvious risk to the safety of other supporters.
“We appreciate the continued backing from supporters, who have been incredible all season, and ask for their cooperation in safeguarding the club from further harm.”