This week officers from Police Scotland’s Football Co-ordination Unit arrested and charged eight Motherwell FC fans in connection with a disturbance between supporters during a Hearts v Motherwell match in January.
This is in addition to the arrests made earlier this year of the eight Heart of Midlothian FC fans involved.
The eight males including one juvenile ranged in age from 15 to 51, are all from the Motherwell area.
Seven of the males have been released on specific bail conditions preventing them from attending football matches and will appear at court in April in relation to the charges. The juvenile has been reported to the children’s reporter.
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 stand to reinforce our previous message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to trace those involved in violence and criminality.
“Sixteen individuals are now unable to attend a football match for the foreseeable future as a result of this incident.
“Operation Rebound continues to address football related violence in Edinburgh and we will work alongside all related football clubs to ensure anyone responsible for fan disorder is held to account.
“Anyone with information that might assist us with our ongoing inquiries can contact police on 101 or alternatively 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.
