Police warn fans ahead of Dons clash with Rangers

A mounted unit and dog handling team will be at Pittodrie this Sunday.

Published 22nd Sep 2016

A huge police operation's being planned for the first Aberdeen Rangers league game in years.

They're going to have a mounted unit and dog handling teams - and fans could be searched for fireworks and alcohol before going into Pittodrie.

It's reported social media will also be checked in the coming days to find anyone planning to cause trouble.

Chief Superintendent Thomson said: "More than 20,000 fans are expected at Pittodrie on Sunday, with thousands more watching in licensed premises and their homes across the North East, and in Glasgow.

"The vast majority will be there to simply enjoy the game in a safe environment, and we're proud to have an excellent history of partnership working with Aberdeen FC with the aim of ensuring that the match day experience is safe for everyone. "We will very much join in with the spirit of the event but let it be clear that we will deal firmly and robustly with the very small minority who may choose to let themselves and their clubs down. "My warning is clear - any form of anti-social behaviour whether it involves sectarianism, violence or disorder is completely unnecessary, completely unwanted and will not be tolerated. “We will be closely monitoring fans entering the match and will be specifically looking out for anyone in possession of pyrotechnics of any kind. It is a condition of entry to the ground that fans allow themselves to be searched and those who refuse will be turned away by the club.

"I also want to remind fans that they should not drink alcohol in the street, in the stadium, or when travelling to and from the game.

"Those who attend the ground drunk will not be permitted entry into the stadium and may well be arrested. “If you are intent on causing trouble whether it be within the stadium, in your city or town, your local pub, your home or even online, you will be caught.

"Don’t think because you haven’t been caught at the time you’ve got away with it - retrospective enquiries will also be carried out to identify those responsible for any crimes committed."

The game is being played at Pittodrie Stadium this Sunday.

It'll be the first meeting between the sides in over four years.

A spokesman for AFC added: “People will obviously be excited as they are passionate about football and it is up to us to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the matchday experience.

"We are sure they will and we look forward to Rangers return to Pittodrie, and anticipate a great day."