Not one but two Edinburgh derbies this weekend. Hibs face Hearts tonight at Easter Road – but Events Management students from Edinburgh College are also hosting a charity football game at Spartans Football Club on Sunday (11 March)! Continue reading Derby Days: Edinburgh College students run football fundraiser for mental health charity
Police in Edinburgh are reminding fans to behave responsibly at the upcoming Hearts vs Hibs derby. The clubs meet in Gorgie for a fourth round Scottish Cup tie on Sunday with a 2.05pm kick-off. Continue reading Best behaviour: advice to fans ahead of derby clash
The EDINBURGH CHEER campaign has received the backing of the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell, who said: “It is tremendous to see two of Scotland’s biggest clubs, city rivals, coming together to promote such a positive message and to help create such a tremendous spirit at Christmas. Football – our national sport – can be a powerful force for good, and this initiative further highlights the great impact it can have in communities.”
Hearts Chairwoman and Big Hearts Trustee Ann Budge said: “The city’s two major football clubs coming together to lead this campaign will, we hope, encourage lots of people to get behind us to deliver Edinburgh Cheer this Christmas. While the two clubs are fierce rivals on the pitch, off the pitch we share similar values and a similar determination to use football to create better outcomes for people.
“Although we do have lots of passionate supporters, we really are only rivals for 90 minutes three or four times a season. Otherwise both clubs are totally committed to doing what they can for the community and to help the people of Edinburgh.”
Hibernian Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “We are delighted to be working with Heart of Midlothian to launch this campaign to make Edinburgh the Capital of Goodwill this Christmas, harnessing the power of football to deliver positive benefits. We are also thrilled that so many other organisations have expressed a desire to support the Edinburgh Cheer campaign, and we hope that supporters and all other citizens will sign up to help make Christmas a little kinder for all the people of Edinburgh.”
NHS Lothian Chief Executive Tim Davison said: “Football is Scotland’s national game, and we know the huge interest there is in the game and the influence that football can have. We are delighted to be working with the clubs on a campaign designed to help the well-being of all the people of Edinburgh, and to work with the Evening News to promote positive health messages.”
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Seven men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale disturbance in the city centre last week following the Hearts v Hibs cup clash at Tynecastle.
Following the derby game on Sunday 12th February, police received reports of disorder and violence taking place outside a pub on Brougham Place. As a result of this incident two men required treatment for facial and head injuries.
On Wednesday 22nd February officers carried out enforcement activity in the Oxgangs, Newington and Meadowbank areas of the city, as well as within Newtongrange, Ormiston and Aberfeldy. Seven men aged 16, 20, 26, 33, 33, 48 and 48 were all subsequently charged and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.
Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “The disorder on Brougham Place was football-related and caused a great deal ofconcern to local residents, businesses and patrons in the area.
“We will not tolerate such offences and will actively pursue anyone believed to be involved to ensure they are brought to justice.
“The vast majority of supporters of both Hearts and Hibernian are regularly a credit to their clubs and behave responsibly whenever their teams are in action. However, a small minority behave in a manner, which puts themselves and others at risk.
“The replay of the Scottish Cup match takes place tonight and we’ll have an appropriate presence in place to ensure the safety of all spectators and maintain order in and around the stadium.
“In addition, police will be assisting stewards to check for contraband items such as alcohol, weapons and flares and anyone in possession of such things will be prevented from entering the ground and may be arrested.
“Following the match, officers will be out on patrol and any offences identified will be dealt with robustly.”
What better than a Scottish Cup-winning Hibs book for Christmas? TWO Hibs books!
Hibernian FC has confirmed that it will co-operate fully into any inquiry into the pitch invasion which followed the club’s historic Scottish Cup win at Hampden Park. Continue reading Police launch investigation into Hampden pitch invasion
Police in Edinburgh are urging fans to ‘enjoy responsibly’ Sunday’s Hearts v Hibs Scottish Cup clash. Continue reading Behave: police warning ahead of cup derby
Police in Edinburgh will have a robust policing operation present today to keep the public safe during the first round of the Petrofac Training Cup between Hibernian and Rangers – and fans have been warned to behave or face the consequences.
Thousands of spectators are expected at Easter Road for this afternoon’s game – which kicks off at 12.30pm – and a significant police presence will be in place to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.
Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will also not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard. In addition, police will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.
Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.
Chief Inspector Bob Paris said: “This is a significant fixture for both clubs and we want all supporters to enjoy the day.
“Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground. Drinking on board a supporters bus to and from the match is also an offence and officers will be checking all coaches coming to the match.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.
“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium, will be refused entry and may face further police action.”
Police have issued an appeal for fans to behave ahead of the crucial Hibs v Rangers SPFL play-off second leg at Easter Road this afternoon.
Over 12,000 spectators are expected to attend at Easter Road Stadium for today’s game, which kicks off at midday, and a significant police presence will be in place to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.
Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will also not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard.
In addition, officers will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.
Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour does not put themselves or others in danger.
Superintendent Phil O’Kane said: “This is a significant fixture in the SPFL Championship play-offs for both clubs and we want all supporters to enjoy the day.
“Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.
“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium, will be refused entry and may face further police action.”
Police are reminding football fans that a ‘robust policing operation’ will be in place at this weekend’s derby match to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.
Over 15,000 spectators are expected to attend Easter Road Stadium for Sunday’s Hibs v Hearts clash, and fans are being warned that anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will not be tolerated and the relevant by-law will be enforced.
Police will also assist stewards to carry out searches outside the stadium to prevent illegal or prohibited items being brought into the ground.
Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “Like any derby day, this Sunday promises to be a great atmosphere with thousands within the city coming along to the match or watching it in the city’s pubs.
“The vast majority of supporters demonstrate exemplary behaviour and are a credit to their clubs – however, we will have a number of resources in place to target the minority of individuals whose behaviour can put both themselves and others at risk. This includes officers visiting local pubs and areas where groups gather.
“Officers and stewards will be carrying out searches of fans entering Easter Road and anyone found with illicit or illegal materials will be prohibited from entering and may face further police action.”
