THIS WEEK in 1990, the Scotland football team was gearing up for its World Cup opener against Costa Rica in Italy, and players were shocked to learn they could face ‘massive fines’ if they fell foul of the referee.

Cameroon had been fined £25,000 for having two men ordered off and three more booked during their shock 1-0 victory over holders Argentina in Milan the previous day.

“It hasn’t been decided as yet who will pay any fines we incur,” manager Andy Roxburgh told our sports reporter in our edition of June 9, “whether it will be the Association or if the players will have to make a contribution.”

That’s one way of ensuring good behaviour on the pitch….

READ MORE: Short and sweet Rangers signing was dream come true for Bobby

Back in those days, the Evening Times was famous for its Starspot posters – this week in 1990, it was Rangers and Scotland star Richard Gough who was the designated pin-up.

Gough was hoping to celebrate his 50th international cap at the World Cup, cheered on by his father Charlie

“I might well have quit football altogether when I was a teenager if it hadn’t been for the encouragement I got from my dad,” said Gough junior in an emotional interview. “I’ll be doing my very best to make sure he leaves Italy with some positive and very happy memories.”

Elsewhere, heavy rain was frustrating Glasgow’s bowlers, and star rider Jason Lyons was predicting a great end to the season for the Glasgow Tigers speedway team, despite the faltering start.

“Tigers are under-rated as far as I am concerned,” he told our reporter.