Following recent matches involving Celtic and St Mirren, a number of issues were raised directly with me as Supporters Liaison Officer. I have put these questions to the club and the following responses have been received –

Q At the recent Celtic game pyrotechnics and a smoke generator were discharged by supporters in the Shankly Stand. Why were supporters not searched prior to entry?

A Supporters were searched prior to entry.In high risk games such as this, a 3- phase intervention system is put in place to allow Stewards to check the validity of tickets on first contact coming off the street, apply searching protocols at the second contact as they approach the turnstiles and to direct spectators to their seats and conduct a final visual check on the third contact within the Stand. Despite these arrangements a small number of devices were discharged during the game. This is clearly a very dangerous practice and indeed a criminal offence. In such circumstances, the priority for the event safety team is to keep people away from these devices if possible, allow them to fully discharge and then to remove the item using appropriate protective equipment and a secure storage facility.

CCTV footage was reviewed at the time and post-match in an attempt to identify the culprits but unfortunately nothing conclusive could be found from the 5 cameras positioned within the ground.  Some Police officers are equipped with body cameras and portable CCTV equipment.  CCTV images were recovered, however there has been no identification of the individuals to date.  It is not unusual for person(s) to be identified at subsequent matches, sometimes even elsewhere in the country and appropriate action taken at that time.

The SPFL delegate includes a full report of these incidents in his match report which is sent directly to the SPFL.

As part of the Club’s normal practice, the match day operation was reviewed in full and as a result of this review, the processes in place to conduct the 3-phase intervention system are being examined in conjunction with representatives of Police Scotland to ascertain if modification and improvements can be achieved.

Q Just about everyone within the Shankly Stand was standing during the Celtic game. Why is this allowed to happen given that it is not safe and is in contravention of Ground Regulations and home supporters are expected to remain seated in their areas of the Stadium.

A Standing in seated areas can be an unsafe practice and is in breach of Ground Regulations. Efforts are made to enforce seating where possible.  Unfortunately, when 3000 people decide that they are going to stand, it is very difficult to enforce seating without significantly increasing the safety risk to those concerned or to those who are actually complying with the regulations and therefore, a decision is taken on this balanced against the risk presented.  This kind of behaviour is prevalent with most travelling supports around the country and it is incumbent upon Stadium management to manage the issue as safely as possible in the circumstances ensuring that evacuation routes and exits are kept clear. It is greatly appreciated by the Club and to their credit that the home support comply with this regulation thus ensuring these Stands are as safe for everyone as they can be.

Q Why are away supporters allowed to bring drums into the Stadium.

A This is something which is risk assessed on a game by game basis as there has been occasion when drums have been refused, however, drums are now part and parcel of the modern game and is becoming more and more prevalent around the country. The Club tries to regulate this by insisting that permission is sought in advance from a verified identifiable source and asking the visiting Club to verify the identity of the individual or group concerned. All associated with the drum and the instrument itself are searched and briefed as to the consequences of irresponsible use. There has not been any kind of sizeable objection from home supporters to the bringing of these instruments to matches, however, this is something the Club will keep under review.

Q Disabled parking in Provost Road is being used by non-blue badge holders causing considerable inconvenience to disabled supporters. Why is the Club ignoring this?

A Street parking is not the Club’s responsibility in terms of provision and enforcement. It was through the Club’s efforts a few years ago that the dispensation for disabled drivers to park in Provost Road was granted by Dundee City Council. The responsibility for enforcement of parking regulations lies with Dundee City Council. Any enquiries or complaints on this issue should be directed to them though the Club will raise the issue with them at our next scheduled meeting.

Q Why are supporters in the home stands (particularly south enclosure) getting a hard time from Stewards when Visiting fans (Celtic recently) behave badly with impunity?

A Each area has its own stewarding team who have responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all supporters in that area.Specifically though, Dundee supporters are our responsibility, particularly within our own Stadium. Behaviour is generally very good but there has been a small number of individuals whose behaviour requires some intervention. On a few occasions, the response from these individuals has been unacceptable and action had to be taken. It may be hard to believe but damage to seats within the home stands, in particular the South Enclosure, is far worse than any seen in the away end. Standing and jumping on seats in home areas is the cause and Stewards are asked where they can, to discourage this behaviour.

In terms of the visiting support, if the Stand is full to capacity it can be very difficult to enforce both ground regulations and the law. Mass sectarian singing has been mentioned by some complainers. Realistically, there is very little the match day team can do to prevent or deter this kind of behaviour. The behaviour is recorded by both Club and Police. Police Scotland will act if appropriate at the time and will always take action where someone has been positively identified committing a criminal offence.  Dependent on the circumstances, this will either happen at the time or retrospectively.  The SPFL Delegate will also file a full report and it is up to the League to act if they deem it appropriate.

Q Why do the roads around the Stadium have to close and remain closed during matches at Dens Park?

A To facilitate safe arrival and departure of all supporters, it is necessary to close roads to for instance, allow safe turnstile queueing, safe exit from the Stands in the event of emergency or at the end of the game. Unfettered access to the Stadium is required for emergency vehicles in the event of an incident and indeed safe areas for spectators evacuated are also required.

Q What is the announcement that we hear quite regularly over the PA System “Would safety officer ERIS please report to the Stadium Control Room”.

A This is a coded message that alerts the match safety team that there is an incident within the Stadium that may require a full or part evacuation of the Stadium. The staff response to this message has to be tested frequently to give satisfaction to the match safety officer that a safe evacuation can be effected when required. There is no need for any spectator to panic or be concerned when this message is broadcast. If there is a genuine incident and evacuation is required, this message will be followed up by a plain speech announcement giving clear instructions to spectators and Stewards who will by their actions assist in the process of any enforced evacuation.

John Burke SLO
[email protected]