Police have arrested a further 12 people in relation to the violence and disorder at the Scottish Cup football final, after carrying out a number of operations at a range of addresses in Edinburgh, Fife and Glasgow this morning.
The latest operational activity brings the total number of arrests in relation to the disorder following the final whistle at Hampden on Saturday 21 May 2016 to 28.
The detective leading the operation has emphasised that the new arrests are just the “first phase” of the large-scale investigation as he expects more arrests to take place in the coming weeks.
From the activity this morning, 10 men, aged 17, 18, 21, 23, 23, 29, 29, 29, 34 and 50 years, were arrested and are detained in police custody for a number of offences including alleged assault, vandalism, disorder and antisocial behaviour.
A further two men, aged 18 years, are the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with alleged disorder and assault at the game.
Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham said: “This is a large-scale investigation into the multiple acts of violence, disorder and vandalism, involving large numbers of people which occurred in the aftermath of the Scottish Cup Final.
“I have a team of officers which has been working extensively to identify those individuals involved in violence and disorder, regardless of the colour of their scarf.
“Let me be very clear about this investigation; it is wide-ranging but utterly focused on those involved in violence and disorder. Due to the significant number of people concerned, there are three distinct phases to the investigation. Firstly focusing on those involved in the most serious acts of violence, then those involved in disorder and lastly those embroiled in acts of vandalism such as wrecking signage and goalposts.
“Identifying those concerned takes time but be in no doubt, if you were involved in these acts of disorder, expect a police officer to be knocking on your door.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Police Scotland will continue to work with football authorities, clubs and other organisations to help make Scottish football a safer environment for everyone to enjoy, without the threat of disorder.
“We will also support any independent investigation being carried out by the Scottish Football Association into the circumstances around the disorder after the cup final.”
Officers have been reviewing hours of CCTV and television footage, photography and material from social media. Significant work is being carried out by a dedicated team of officers who are analysing footage from cameras in the stadium and television production shots to identify those responsible for the disorder within the stadium at Hampden.
Already 16 arrests were made in the first week following the match for a range of crimes including assault. One person was charged with a number of separate assaults, one of which is allegedly on a woman and another where he allegedly used a chair. Individuals believed to have allegedly assaulted Rangers players and staff have also been arrested.
Detective Supt Graham continued: “This morning’s action in Edinburgh, Fife and Glasgow targeted those supporters already identified by my inquiry team detectives over the three weeks since the cup final took place last month, bringing the total number of arrests to 28.
“I would reiterate my previous appeal to those involved directly in the disorder to come forward or for anyone with any information, including footage or images, to get in touch with the inquiry team on 0141 532 5457 or by emailing scottishcupfinalpitchinvasion@scotland.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, members of the public can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be provided anonymously.
“This just the first phase of the investigation and I anticipate more action in the coming weeks and months to track down those responsible for violence and disorder.”
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.
