Disturbance outside Forfar Athletic ground despite under-16s ban

Police were called to a disturbance outside Forfar Athletic's ground less than a fortnight after the club banned unaccompanied under-16s from matches.

Two boys will be reported to youth justice services after reports that a large group of youths were causing trouble as fans left Station Park on Saturday, where the home side had won 1-0 against East Kilbride FC.

Earlier this month the club banned under 16-year-old's without a season ticket from attending without an adult, following a spate of disorder at matches.

Forfar Athletic and East Kilbride FC have both condemned the behaviour and confirmed they are working with police to identify all of those involved.

The Scottish League Two club said the group of youths had not been at the match but waited outside the ground for fans to flood out after full-time.

Previously the club said they had been left with no other option but to introduce new policies for their three remaining home games to try and combat disorderly behaviour.

Since 1 April any non-season ticket holders under the age of 16 will only be allowed access to games at if accompanied by a paying adult.

Anyone attempting to enter the ground wearing a face covering will be asked to remove it. If this request is refused, they will not be allowed access to the ground.

Police Scotland said they were made aware of a group causing a disturbance at Carseview Road in Forfar on Saturday afternoon.

They confirmed two male youths will be reported to the youth justice authorities and further enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson added: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to disorder at football matches. Any incidents will be thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the appropriate authorities."

'Saddening' scenes

Forfar Athletic said they were extremely disappointed by the latest incident.

They said: "We understand that a group of youths, who had not been in attendance at the match, had gathered outside the ground at full-time with, what would appear to have been, the sole intent of instigating an incident.

"Police attended outside the ground and apprehended some of those involved as they attempted to flee the scene.

"Whether incidents occur inside or outside the ground it is entirely unacceptable that supporters who may be attending a match at Station Park may be subject to threatening and abusive behaviour which may give rise to concerns for their personal safety."

The club said this was not the type of environment they wanted at Station Park.

The spokesperson added: ""We would urge anyone who may have any information to contact the police in order that we can ensure that those involved can be identified and prevented from being allowed to instigate any further such incidents.

"The club wish to foster a family atmosphere at Station Park and will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour such as this."

East Kilbride FC said they were extremely saddened by the scenes.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, what transpired outside the ground put a number of people's safety at risk.

"Forfar Athletic are working to discover full details and identify culprits and we thank them in these efforts."

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