Police are warning those attending today’s Edinburgh derby that criminal behaviour will not be accepted.
The SPFL Premiership match between Hibs and Hearts at Easter Road on Saturday 29th December kicks off at 5.30pm and is a sell-out.
A high-visibility police presence will be in place in and around the ground to assist stewarding staff with conducting searches and to keep fans safe inside the stadium.
Officers have also been liaising with staff at licensed premises around the city and will be visiting these venues throughout the day to deter criminality.
During the previous match between the clubs at Tynecastle Stadium on 31st October, a number of incidents arose resulting in arrests, either at the time or in the days following the game.
Those intent on causing trouble are reminded that a number of resources can and will be utilised to identify anyone involved in criminal behaviour.
Superintendent Jim Royan, Match Commander for Saturday’s game, said: “The atmosphere around Edinburgh whenever there is a derby match is always extremely special and the vast majority of fans of both Hearts and Hibs are a credit to themselves and their respective clubs.
“However, there is always a small minority whose behaviour and actions put themselves, other spectators, and even players and staff, at risk of harm. This cannot and will not be tolerated.
“We have been working closely with both clubs on the run-up to this match and providing any relevant assistance we can in terms of guidance to stewarding staff. Our policing resource on the day will be significant and this is to ensure we can maintain the safety of all of those in attendance.
“I would like to remind everyone coming along that there is specific legislation in place, which prevents access to a sporting venue if you have excessively consumed alcohol and we shall be enforcing this.
“You will also not gain entry should you be found in possession of items such as weapons or flares. I want to stress that you will be arrested and face a criminal record should you attempt to bring anything like this into the ground.
“We want everyone who is coming to Easter Road to have a great time, as well as those watching the match at their homes or licensed premises. Please drink and behave responsibly and enjoy the festivities in the proper spirit.”
Match News:
Neil Lennon will be forced to make more changes as he selects from a severely depleted squad for tonight’s sellout Edinburgh derby.
While David Gray made a welcome return at Ibrox this week Marvin Bartley is doubtful and Lewis Stevenson, Miquel Nelom, Ofir Marciano, Ross Laidlaw, Ryan Porteous and Thomas Agyepong are all out injured.
And just to make matters worse Jamie Maclaren, Mark Milligan and Martin Boyle are all on international duty with Australia.
Across the city, Hearts boss Craig Levein will Arnaud Djoum and Peter Haring every opportunity to be involved in today’s eagerly anticipated encounter.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Craig Levein said: “This is a fixture that I love and I’m really looking forward to it. I can feel it and I can see it in the players that they’re starting to get their mojo back and believe a little bit again.
“Confidence is the thing that, as a manager, if you could bottle it, then it would be the most important thing.
“Psychologically, getting that team mentality right is critical. We had that earlier on in the season then the run of results cost us and that became a little bit more diluted.
“Now we’re getting Christophe Berra back and Naisy back and the influence those two have on the team make us do a little bit better, and it makes it better for us going into this game.”
Hibs threadbare squad could be the difference this evening and the pendulum has swung ever so slightly in favour of the men in maroon. A derby day draw would be no disgrace for Neil Lennon’s men in a game neither team will want to lose.
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