Police have arrested and charged three football fans in connection with a disturbance ahead of a match between Hearts and Motherwell earlier this month.
On Saturday, January 16, police were called to McLeod Street following a report of a fight involving around 20 rival supporters.
In the ensuing clash rival fans were involved in a large-scale disturbance potentially endangering the safety of many innocent supporters attending the game.
As part of Operation Rebound, local officers today traced and arrested three males, aged 16, 16 and 53, from the Baberton, Newhaven and Gorgie areas of the city
They have been released from police custody and are expected to appear in court at a later date. They have, however, been ordered not to attend any forthcoming football matches as part of their release bail conditions.
Inspector Emma Croft who is based at St Leonards said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to tackle fan disorder Police Scotland has been working closely with Hearts FC to identify and address a group of individuals who bring disorder and criminality to the doors of what is a family friendly club.
“These arrests clearly send out the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to trace those involved in such criminality.
“All three males are now unable to attend a football match for the foreseeable future, which is particularly relevant given next weekend’s Edinburgh derby.
“Operation Rebound will continue and we will work alongside Hearts FC to ensure those responsible for fan disorder are held to account.”
A Hearts spokesman said: “We have a very good and close working relationship with Police Scotland and will continue to do our best with them to eradicate the type of behaviour which is unacceptable to the majority of Hearts supporters.”
Anyone with information that might assist officers with their ongoing inquiries can contact police on 101 or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
