A FOOTBALL pitch at a sports hub named after a legendary Celtic boss was torched by a group of youths. 

Police have launched a probe into the blaze at the Jock Stein Centre, Hamilton, which caused damage to a section of a synthetic surface. 

It's not yet known how much repairs will cost at the Hillhouse Road site but council bosses have promised they will take place as soon as possible. 

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David Booth, general manager of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, said: “A group of youths set fire to six square meters of the pitch surface along with one of the seven-a-side goals.

"Police Scotland have visited the site and reviewed the CCTV footage and are now looking into the matter.

Glasgow Times: Jock Stein managed the Hoops to European Cup glory in 1967 Jock Stein managed the Hoops to European Cup glory in 1967

“The pitch has been surveyed to determine the extent of the damage caused, and we will carry out repairs as soon as possible."

All 11-a-side bookings on the pitch have been cancelled until further notice, although 7-a-side lets will continue as normal. 

Mr Booth added: “The pitch at Jock Stein can be used in two ways – either for full-size, 11-a-side games or training, or broken down into three areas for 7-a-side games or training.

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"Two of the three areas are still available for 7-a-side so these lets will continue as normal.”

The incident comes in the week it was revealed the Jock Stein Centre was one of a number of facilities facing an uncertain future in South Lanarkshire. 

Police say enquiries into the blaze, which took place at around 9.30pm on Sunday, are ongoing. 

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.