One fine day for Strathcarron thanks to bad-boy Bairns

Peter Houston has fined Saturday's red-carded duo Lee Miller and Craig Sibbald '“ and handed over the cash to a local hospice.
Craig Sibbald was fined for his red card. Picture Michael Gillen.Craig Sibbald was fined for his red card. Picture Michael Gillen.
Craig Sibbald was fined for his red card. Picture Michael Gillen.

Both players were sent off for lashing out at opponents during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Dunfermline.

And boss Houston took the unsual step of fining two of his most experienced players as punishment for their moments of madness.

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“It was totally out of character,” said Houston of the players’ actions. Sibbald kicked Joe Cardle after being hacked down by the Dunfermline winger, while Miller threw an elbow off the ball at Nat Wedderburn.

Lee Miller will also hand cash over to Strathcarron following his dismissal. Picture Michael Gillen.Lee Miller will also hand cash over to Strathcarron following his dismissal. Picture Michael Gillen.
Lee Miller will also hand cash over to Strathcarron following his dismissal. Picture Michael Gillen.

“I have done something I don’t like doing and that’s fining players. Both Craig Sibbald and Lee Miller will put money into Strathcarron Hospice.”

Sibbald’s just booted the boy. Cardle was already on a yellow and could have easily gone for his tackle on Sibbald, but that’s lost in the aftermath and the focus on Craig’s reaction.

Lee has lost the rag as well. It’s not like Lee, it’s not like Craig Sibbald.”

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It casts a poor light on the Bairns’ discipline which has been very good in previous seasons under Houston. Saturday’s pair have added to Aaron Muirhead’s red on the league’s opening day to give the Bairns three games, three goals, and three red cards.

Lee Miller will also hand cash over to Strathcarron following his dismissal. Picture Michael Gillen.Lee Miller will also hand cash over to Strathcarron following his dismissal. Picture Michael Gillen.
Lee Miller will also hand cash over to Strathcarron following his dismissal. Picture Michael Gillen.

“Last year we had one red card at Hibernian, Tom Taiwo after 20 minutes and we played there, Easter Road, last year’s hardest venue to visit, and scored a goal in the 89th minute then lost one in the 91st. We showed character and desire and worked hard that day. We had 11 on Saturday and didn’t work hard enough.”