SPORT: Hooligans

By Mark McLaughlin
Edinburgh Evening News
August 12, 2008

A GROUP of Hibs and Hearts fans were among 61 supporters arrested for football-related disorder on Scotland's trains last season, according to new figures.

British Transport Police have revealed that four Hearts fans were arrested on the rail network last season, compared with three fans from their Easter Road rivals.

But the arrests involving Edinburgh fans pale in comparison to those from Glasgow giants Rangers, who accounted for nearly half of all arrests in Scotland last season. A large proportion were for sectarian breach of the peace, but other offences included possession of drugs at Waverley Station, various assaults and one fan arrested by the transport police following a warrant issued by another force.

Overall, however, the number arrests in 2007/08 across Scotland was down from 73 the previous season.

Hearts fans were arrested in connection with two incidents of breach of the peace, at Haymarket and Inverness stations, plus one arrest for disorderly conduct at Motherwell. Another fan was arrested for being drunk and incapable at Glasgow Queen Street.

Meanwhile, a Hibs supporter was arrested for petty assault in Queen Street following a heated 1-0 away win against Rangers in October last year. Two other Hibs fans were arrested on separate dates for breach of the peace on the Dundee-Edinburgh train, and disorderly conduct at Queen Street.

There were 16 incidents in total at Edinburgh train stations or on Edinburgh-bound trains, the most serious being an indecent assault on a female member of staff at Haymarket station by a Cowdenbeath fan. No further action was taken against the fan following the his arrest in August last year.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: "It's important to note that we don't single out any particular clubs or get involved in naming and shaming certain groups of fans.

"We work with clubs throughout the UK to encourage their fans to take responsibility for their own actions.

"If you would not normally behave in a loud and obnoxious manner when you are going about your daily lives, why do you think it's acceptable to do it on the way to a football match?

"I think many fans just get carried away with atmosphere and the safety-in-numbers feeling that being part of a large crowd can generate.

"In most cases, alcohol is involved and the message is that if you misbehave on public transport you will be arrested and punished for it, and you could be barred from attending any future matches."

A Hibs spokesman said every incident was taken seriously.

"Hibernian has protocol agreements in place with the police and we work closely with them, including sharing information. Every incident is monitored and appropriate action taken."

Hearts said the club did not have a major problem with fans' behaviour.

"Our Supporters Charter, which has in fact been acclaimed by UEFA as best practice, is the main focus by the club to send a message to our fans.

"The club also meets regularly with our main supporters groups to discuss issues with Hearts supporters. We also work in partnership with the authorities and other clubs to ensure that information regarding potential trouble is shared between all parties."