Samuel’s Falkirk plan legal action for promotion

GLASGOW: Scottish First Division champions Falkirk, with Trinidadians Russell Latapy and Colin Samuel on their roster, are considering legal action against a decision not to promote them — as division champions — to the Premier League.

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) had refused to grant Falkirk promotion in May because the club’s stadium did not meet the necessary requirements. The Scottish Football Association rejected an appeal on Thursday against the SPL’s decision to refuse the club entry to the top league next season.  “Obviously we’re hugely disappointed with the outcome of the appeal. We will consider our position and take stock of the decision with our legal advisors to decide where we should go from now,” club chairman Campbell Christie told reporters yesterday.

The appeal board ruled on Thursday that Falkirk should not be granted promotion because they did not own a 10,000 all-seated stadium — the minimum criteria demanded by SPL rules. Two weeks ago, Falkirk signed the 34-year-old Latapy on a one-year contract as their player-coach for the 2003/2004 season. Samuel started his first season with Falkirk last year and proved very influential in attack as they comfortably topped the standings with 81 points, nine clear of Clyde.