Police Scotland is requesting fans attending Saturday’s Heart of Midlothian FC vs Hibernian FC match do so in a responsible manner.
The teams kick off their Scottish Premier League tie at 12:30pm on Saturday, April 6, with the match at Tynecastle expected to attract a full capacity crowd.
To ensure the safety of all those in attendance, police will have a high visibility presence in and around the ground and will assist stewarding staff to conduct searches of those entering the stadium.
All supporters are reminded that officers will be enforcing Edinburgh’s drinking by-laws and so antisocial street drinking will not be permitted.
Any flares, alcohol and items which could cause harm if thrown are strictly forbidden from being brought inside the ground.
Anyone found in possession of any of these items will not see the match and will face arrest and prosecution which in turn will result in a football banning order, prohibiting fans from attending football games.
Chief Inspector Murray Starkey, Match Commander for Saturday’s event said: There’s always a fantastic buzz in Edinburgh in the run-up to the derby, with tens of thousands heading to the match and many more watching from home.
“Ensuring the safety of all those who will attend the match is our priority, and it’s essential that supporters act in a responsible manner that does not put themselves or others at risk.
“I want to ask fans from both sides of the city to act in a responsible manner and enjoy the match.
“Please allow some extra journey time to allow for any road congestion. Turnstiles open at 11.30am, and I would hope that spectators will choose to arrive early at the stadium.
“As such, flares, fireworks or any controlled containers, which could cause harm if thrown, are strictly forbidden from the ground. Anyone attempting to carry those items into Tynecastle stadium, or who is in possession of alcohol or attempting to enter whilst drunk, is liable to arrest and prosecution.
“This is one of the most exciting fixtures of the Scottish football calendar and we want both sets of fans to enjoy the game safely and in the proper spirit.”
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.
