1899

Was to be known for the infamous riots between Celtic and Rangers, after a Scottish Cup final replay the fans tried to burn down the ground and trouble continued for several hours in the streets of Glasgow with 81 policemen having to be treated in hospital. There was also trouble at Everton's Goodison Park after the ref had abandoned a game.

Newton Heath had their own problems with a "scandal" behind the scenes when two players (Boyd and Cunnigham) were suspended by the club for their extracurricular activities. The two players were have said to have been drinking, the Athletic News reported:

"If men who are paid good wages don't think it's worth their while to keep themselves in condition they are better off out of the team."

The week following these suspensions it was the fans turn, after the Heathens took a 2-1 defeat at New Brighton Tower a group of supporters took action by surrounding the ref as he walked off the field jeering and booing him, the situation could have been worse if it hadn't been for several Club officials and Policemen who escorted the poor ref to dressing room safety. By all reports the ref had been very poor and the youths had been provoked by the dubious refereeing.
The result of the game seriously dented any hopes of Newton Heath's promotion chances for that year.