Glasgow Clan head coach and chief executive suspended amid 'signing of Lasse Uusivirta'

The Scottish ice hockey team took the decision after performing a dramatic u-turn last night and announcing they have now dropped Lasse Uusivirta.

The Clan announced Finnish defenceman Uusivirta's signing at 7pm on Thursday before a further statement at 9.21pm confirmed he would no longer be joining the club.

Uusivirta, 33, was reportedly arrested in the USA over allegations of rape in 2013 but allegedly fled to his native Finland with no intention of returning, according to the assistant district attorney who handled the case.

He was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an 18-year-old female student in his dorm on the UAH (University of Alabama in Huntsville) campus.

Club chairman Neil Black has now moved to suspend both chief executive Gareth Chalmers and head coach Malcolm Cameron.

In a statement posted on the Clan's website on Friday, Mr Black said: "At 7.45pm last night, I was made aware for the first time of a major situation which merits further internal investigation and this has led to the immediate suspension of both the Clan chief executive Gareth Chalmers and the Clan head coach Malcolm Cameron."

One outraged fan told the Glasgow Times: “Glasgow Clan have totally alienated themselves from a huge portion of their fan base.

“Fans won't tolerate sports clubs who have no morals or integrity any longer.”

Another added: “This is a massive failing on the club's part, many fans feel very let down."

A further supporter posted online: "Hopefully those responsible for this hiring will be held accountable and shown the door. This has been a humiliating couple of hours from a club that has previously prided itself on being open and welcoming to all.

"It’ll be a while until I bring my daughters back to the rink."

Many fans said they would not attend the game against the Belfast Giants tonight to show their anger, with others planning to protest at the match.