The manager of a South Lanarkshire football team has been suspended after a fight broke out on the pitch.

Cambuslang Rangers have asked Paul McColl to step back from the club for an unspecified period of time.

It comes after a referee was allegedly attacked after sending two Cambuslang Rangers players off during the match in Ayrshire.

The referee called for police after he was reportedly assaulted and threatened on Saturday.

The Cambuslang side have now revealed the manager has been suspended while a full investigation takes place.

Mr McColl was gunned down in Cambuslang earlier this year.

The 48-year-old had to undergo facial surgery and was in a life-threatening condition following the incident in February.

He returned to manage his team just months later.

Bosses have released a full statement on the incident, stating that any suggestions that the team are 'thugs' is incorrect.

The statement posted on social media said: "In light of a chain of events which culminated at our away game against Glenafton being abandoned, Cambuslang Rangers FC committee have now had the opportunity to discuss our position as regards the future of the club.

"With immediate effect, assistant managers Jimmy Kerr, Billy Campbell and Derek Carmichael will assume responsibility for the running of all aspects of the football team.

"This is a result of Saturday's alleged incident regarding our manager, Mr Paul McColl, and the referee, Mr Calum Scott.

"These events require full exhaustive and impartial investigation. Mr McColl will therefore take time away from the club while this investigation is ongoing.

"Cambuslang Rangers, SJFA and Police Scotland are working collectively to uncover the truth, and in doing so, to alleviate unfounded rumours.

"On this note, Cambuslang Rangers FC would like to address the erroneous reports which are being spread amongst social media as to Saturday's events at Loch Park. The factual events of what happened have been massively exaggerated to the point of complete fabrication on several media outlets.

"Further, the club would like to address the salient issue of Cambuslang Rangers as all being 'thugs'. We would point out that this unfounded generalisation is inaccurate, unfair and defamatory.

"The management team who are taking the club forward have a vast number of years of experience between them, each sporting an unblemished record. Our players, committee, stakeholders and fans are merely people who want the best for their club.

"It is no secret that in junior football there is an interesting mix of temperaments and backgrounds. However, that does not warrant the accusation that everyone involved with this club is not fit to be here.

"The club would like to extend our thanks to Glenafton for their hospitality and offer our regrets that the game was abandoned."