Football arrests – Stranraer v Celtic 10 January 2016
Police Scotland Arrests – William Hill Scottish Cup – Stranraer FC vs Celtic
Following the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round tie involving Stranraer Football Club and Celtic Football Club at Stair Park, Stranraer, on Sunday 10 January 2016, Police Scotland conducted a post-match investigation into complaints of anti-social behaviour and sectarian singing.
Prior to and during the match a total of four supporters were arrested for a number of football related and public order offences. Two were arrested in the ground and two were arrested out with the ground.
The post-match investigation focused on the use of pyrotechnic devices, smoke bombs and fire crackers which were set off within the terraces as well as being thrown onto the field of play. Police Scotland investigated outbreaks of sectarian singing and chanting which took place. As a consequence five more people have been arrested for offences relating to these matters and will appear at Stranraer Sheriff Court in due course.
Superintendent Steven Lowther, Match Commander said –
“The behaviour of a minority on the day was unacceptable. What was supposed to be an enjoyable event for all was tarnished by a group of individuals who were intent on singing sectarian songs as well as letting off smoke bombs and pyrotechnics within the crowd.
“It is evident that those involved had no concerns for either the safety of others or how their behaviour spoiled what should otherwise have been an event where the post-match discussion should have centred on football and not their antics.
“We have worked with partners and both clubs to identify those involved and as a result five more arrests have been made.”
