As Glasgow welcomes Hibernian and Ross County football fans for the final of the SPFL League Cup final at Hampden Park this weekend, Police Scotland is advising fans get to the game on time and to enjoy the game in a safe and responsible manner.
Around 40,000 supporters are expected at the game at the national stadium on Sunday 13 March 2016. Entry to the stadium is by ticket only and there will be no access without a valid ticket.
Superintendent Mark Hargreaves is the match commander. He said: “We want to get supporters to and from the game safely whilst ensuring minimum disruption to those who live, work and socialise in the city centre as well as in and around the stadium.
“Our advice to fans is to know the route to the ground and get there in plenty of time – don’t rush in at the end and add to any congestion.
“There may also be some people who will drink to excess on the way to the game. Of course we understand it’s a big occasion and people want to make a day of it, so, if you are going to drink before or indeed after the match, then do so responsibly.
However, be aware that it is an offence to enter or even attempt to enter the stadium whilst drunk so don’t risk missing out on your big day as police and stewards will be looking out for anyone who is drunk or is intent on causing disruption.”
Additional Police Scotland officers will be on duty in the city and will be patrolling the roads to minimise disruption and congestion on major routes.
It is an offence:
- To enter the sports ground if you are in possession of any pyrotechnic device including flares, fireworks, pellets etc (matches/cigarette lighters are not included).
- To attempt to enter the sports ground with a controlled container (any bottle, can or other portable container whether open or sealed) or alcohol either prior to, during or after the game. This is also the case inside the arena or in the surrounding area.
- To be drunk within or to attempt to enter whilst drunk a sports stadium or surrounding area.
- To be in possession of alcohol or be drunk aboard a coach or mini-bus taking you to a sporting event. The driver, keeper, employee or person hiring the vehicle on which alcohol is being carried also commits an offence.
Note: Police checks on buses and mini buses travelling to this game will be undertaken. Note: Police checks on buses and mini buses travelling to this game will be undertaken.
- To drink alcohol or be in possession of an open container which contains alcohol in a public place
- To use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or who displays written material likely to stir up racial or sectarian hatred is guilty of an offence
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.
