AYR FACE CHARGES FOR NEW KIT STUNT

THE SFA are poised to raise disrepute charges against Ayr United for using images of a topless model to publicise their new kit. Newly promoted to the Championship after overcoming Stranraer in the play-offs, the Somerset Park club’s sponsors Bodog produced glossy images of the 2016-17 jersey painted on to the body of model Ava Sovisl. However, Sportsmail understands it prompted a number of angry complaints to the SFA yesterday. Scottish Women’s Football are amongst those understood to have contacted the governing body demanding action, with the Twitter feed of the Women in Football group also criticising the stunt. SFA Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan has now been asked

to consider whether the Ayrshire outfit are guilty of breaching rule 66 of the governing body regulations which states: ‘No recognised football body, club, official, team official or other member of team staff, player, referee or other person under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA shall bring the game into disrepute.’ If charges are brought forward, Ayr will be referred to a judicial panel for judgment. A source close to one of the complainants told Sportsmail: ‘The club will no doubt try to pin this on their sponsors, but that doesn’t wash. Ayr signed the contract and have to be held to account.’ Ayr United utilised similar marketing tactics to widespread criticism two years ago, and the decision to revisit the idea could backfire with the club potentially facing sanctions ranging from a censure to a fine. Calvin Ayre, founder of the club’s main sponsor Bodog, issued a crass statement on his personal website defending the move, saying: ‘The Ayr United shirts are of a very high quality but it would be unfair to say they are any different from the other teams in that respect. ‘In fact, from what I can see, from the latest photoshoot they look a bit tight to me.’ Ayr United failed to respond to a request for comment.

OWEN COYLE yesterday left his post at Houston Dynamo, citing family reasons for his departure. The Scot leaves the MLS side bottom of the Western Conference, having won only three of their opening 12 games in the league this season.