No promotion for Falkirk

GLASGOW: Motherwell were spared relegation from the Scottish Premier League yesterday after Division One champions Falkirk were denied promotion because their stadium was rated unsuitable.

Falkirk’s Brockville ground does not meet the criteria set down by Premier League authorities, but the club had hoped to ground-share with Second Division Airdrie United. The Premier League’s website said that idea was rejected by their board yesterday, meaning Motherwell, who are guaranteed to finish bottom this season, will not be relegated Falkirk, the club at which Trinidad and Tobago striker Collin Samuel is a professional, won the Scottish First Division title weeks before the season closed. Falkirk were also denied a promotion play-off against Aberdeen in 2000 for the same reason.