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Controversial former Celtic and Scotland international star Leigh Griffiths signs for Mandurah City

Nick TaylorThe West Australian
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Leigh Griffiths will play two matches for Mandurah City.
Camera IconLeigh Griffiths will play two matches for Mandurah City. Credit: Rob Casey - SNS Group/SNS Group via Getty Images

Mandurah City have scored a local soccer coup, signing controversial former Scotland and Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths on a very short-term deal.

Griffiths will play two home games for the Football West State League Division One club.

The club said he was “undoubtedly one of the biggest signings in not only Mandurah’s history, but one of the biggest in Australian NPL & State League football history.”

Griffiths will be remembered for his man-of-the-match performance after two stunning free kicks against England in the 2017 World Cup qualifying draw at Hampden Park.

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But he has been embroiled in controversy.

He was cleared by Scottish police last year after an investigation into allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to a teenage girl.

And he was also involved in another inquiry, kicking a smoke bomb from the pitch into a stand housing St Johnstone supporters during a Premier Sports Cup match.

Griffiths, who was on loan with Dundee from Celtic, apologised saying his intention had been “just to remove it from the pitch”.

Griffith, 31, is a free agent. It is understood he has WA connections and will look for opportunities in Australia or Asia after the spell with Mandurah.

In a statement the club said it was delighted to welcome their marquee signing.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 24: Leigh Griffiths in action for Celtic during a friendly match between Celtic and West Ham United at Celtic Park on July 24, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland(Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Camera IconLeigh Griffiths in action for Celtic during a friendly match between Celtic and West Ham United at Celtic Park on July 24, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. Credit: Rob Casey - SNS Group/SNS Group via Getty Images

“The experienced 31-year-old striker is a proven goal scorer in the Scottish Premier League and on an International level,” it said.

“Born in Edinburgh, Griffiths’ career commenced at the age of 16 for Livingston FC. He then went on to play for Dundee, Wolverhampton Wanderers & Hibernian before signing for Celtic where he made over 200 appearances, scoring over 115 goals.

“Throughout Leigh’s career so far, multiple awards have been won which include PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Player of the Year & Scottish Football Writers Player of the Year.

“Leigh represented Scotland at an under-19 and under-21 level and was part of the squad that reached the 2011 UEFA Under-21 Championship play-offs, narrowly losing out to Iceland.

“With his undoubtable talent Leigh went on to make 22 appearances for his country, scoring four goals including the two well known free kicks against England in 2017.

“Mandurah Head Coach John Baird is thrilled to have completed the services of the Scotsman for the remainder of the year.

“Leigh is undoubtedly one of the biggest signings in not only Mandurah’s history, but one of the biggest in Australian NPL & State League football history.

These words were echoed by Mandurah City President Nigel Mann.

“It sums up where the club is currently at and the hard work we have put in over the years” he said.

“Leigh will play the last 2 home games of the season in the famous Black & White.

“Welcome to Mandurah Leigh!”

Griffiths is a mate of Mandurah coach John Baird who helped him make the move.

Football West declined to comment.

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