There have been many -gate scandals over the years from Watergate to Partygate and now Scottish football has its very own.
'Ballgate' hit the Lowland League over the weekend when Berwick Rangers travelled to Cowdenbeath in a clash between two former League Two sides. The English outfit came out on top thanks to a hat-trick from former Livingston, Raith Rovers, Partick Thistle and Dunfermline Athletic forward Liam Buchanan and a late goal from Lewis Allan to secure a comfortable 4-0 win at Central Park in Fife.
The game passed by without any major incident, however it was once the full-time whistle went that the drama began. Buchanan, who also played for the Blue Brazil at the start of his career and last season, was refused the match ball after bagging three goals for Stuart Malcolm's side. The win left the Wee Gers in sixth position, 13 points off Spartans who lead the pack. After the game Buchanan took to social media to explain the situation.
He tweeted: "Return to Cowdenbeath today a club where I started and had great times my first time there and today I got a hat trick and the refused to give me the match ball idiot kitman running out shouting no he’s no having it that’s a pity, be better not bitter they say."
His tweet following the game racked up the likes and eventually forced Cowdenbeath to get in contact with Berwick about 'ballgate'
They tweeted: "We have been in touch today with our friends at @OfficialBRFC regarding ‘ballgate’ and have arranged to get the match ball to @liam_buchanan9 in respect of his hat-trick feat. For the avoidance of doubt the Cowdenbeath kitman was not involved in the matter.
"In such situations a simple request relayed to the Cowdenbeath FC secretary after the game once the teams are all settled back in the dressing rooms is probably how these matters can best be handled."
'Ballgate' didn't end there. Buchanan took to Twitter soon after and claimed those involved "made an a*** of it"
He replied: "Common sense prevailed and the club shown the class I know it has, yes this seasons kit man wasn’t responsible it was last seasons and this years ‘team coordinator’ also don’t pass the buck it was a shambles that didn’t need to happen and nobody’s fault bar members of staff.
"Just be accountable that the people involved made a arse of it, I asked after game and after showered told the same thing.. so don’t pass the blame anywhere else!! It’s a shame didn’t need to end like this, but appreciate the gesture"
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