Police issue anti-social behaviour warning ahead of Aberdeen v Dundee United match
The game will take place tomorrow
Last updated 11th Nov 2022
Ahead of Aberdeen FC’s game against Dundee United tomorrow, the city centre’s Chief Inspector has warned anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
It comes after officers responded to disturbances in the George Street and Seaforth Road area before the Aberdeen v Hibernian match last Friday, which has seen more than ten men arrested in connection with a number of offences.
The force says additional police resources will be deployed to the Pittodrie area on Saturday to support the Aberdeen v Dundee United fixture, which kicks off at 6pm.
Officers have also been liaising with both clubs and licensees this week to ensure appropriate measures are in place to help keep people safe.
City Centre Chief Inspector David Paterson said:
“The behaviour we witnessed on the streets pre-match last week was utterly unacceptable. Fear and alarm was caused to the local community, fireworks were thrown and a minority tainted the safe reputation our city has.
"I am extremely grateful for the efforts of officers to de-escalate the situation, and would like to thank the members of the public who have assisted with our enquiries so far. I am only grateful that no one was seriously hurt.
“As Event Police Lead for the Dundee United match, let me be clear - we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour on Saturday, nor at any football match for that matter.
"We know the vast majority of fans turn up at games to support their team and enjoy themselves and we do not want that experience to be ruined by the selfishness of others. Extra officers will be in the area to support the match and I can only hope there is no repeat of last week’s inexcusable events.”
Enquiries are still ongoing into the Hibs match disorder and anyone with information or mobile phone footage is asked to contact the police.
A spokesman from Aberdeen Football Club added: “We are also aware of an unacceptable level of damage caused by fans to seats in the ‘Red Shed’ at Pittodrie during last week’s match. I would take this opportunity to remind fans that this cannot continue and the Club security and stewarding team, working with Police, will be keeping a close eye on this during Saturday’s game.”