By Gordon Robertson VANDALS who smashed up Albion Rovers’ minibus and vandalised their Cliftonhill Stadium have been branded a disgrace by the club. Almost £6000-worth of damage was caused when a gang of neds broke into the ground and went on a wrecking spree. They broke into the minibus, which was parked near the Rovers stand, and smashed the windows to bits. The vehicle, which was used to support community projects, is now a write-off. Rovers director Pat Rolink said: “The people who did this are a disgrace but it is more than that. “We are really disappointed that local people would do this. “The minibus was completely destroyed and it has been written off. “It wasn’t used for the team, it was used in projects to support local kids. “We think some of the young people who benefited from the minibus might have been involved and that’s the most disappointing aspect of it all. “They went to some lengths as the windscreen was hit around 20 times. “I hope that, if anyone in the community knows who did this, they will get in touch with Coatbridge Police.” As well as trashing the minibus, the yobs vandalised the Cliftonhill dug outs and ripped netting that was covering part of the re-seeded pitch. The ground has been targeted before by vandals but not for a while, thanks to CCTV cameras at the ground and to Rovers’ efforts to engage the local youth in community projects. The minibus was recently used on trips to Radio Clyde and the amusements at Strathclyde Park. Pat added: “It is difficult for the directors at the football club to fund projects after something like this happens but, fortunately, we can see the bigger picture and will continue to support the community.” Anyone with information about the vandalism at Cliftonhill Stadium should contact Coatbridge Police on 01236 502000. |