Police ask fans for views on match-day policing

Football fans are being asked their views on policing at matches in the first survey of its kind.

It follows a recommendation in the Independent Review of Football Policing in Scotland report, which was commissioned by Police Scotland last year following a crush outside Celtic Park.

The report, published in March, raised concerns about safety issues which could put fans at risk, such as the selling of more tickets than the stadium capacity, and inconsistencies in the management of safety certificates around the country.

However it found that the operational model for policing football is “certainly fit for purpose'', with some “excellent'' examples of good practice.

Police said responses to the survey will contribute to a new “football engagement strategy'' and will ensure fans and communities are involved in the way football is policed in the future.

Chief Inspector Campbell Crawford, head of Police Scotland's national football unit, said: “Getting views directly from supporters is extremely important and a real step forward for us.

“We are keen that people understand that our role at football is to support the event organiser, as well as understanding what people expect from us.

“We are transforming the way we communicate with Scotland's football supporters and we now need as many of them as possible to take part in the survey.

“We also want to make sure that the communities who host football matches are involved. We know policing operations has an effect on them too.''

Police Scotland commissioned the independent review just weeks after fans were injured in a crush at the first Old Firm game of the season on September 2 last year.

Five people needed medical treatment following the incident at Parkhead as supporters tried to get into the stadium.

Police urged people to take part in the new survey.

Mr Crawford said: “We want everyone who goes to a football match anywhere in Scotland to enjoy it in a safe and secure environment.

“We believe that, by building on the work already done to develop effective working relationships with football supporters and our communities, we can contribute to ensuring a positive experience for supporters attending matches as well as those who live and work in areas which host football matches.''

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