Celtic Supporters Association Fear for fans safety at Tynecastle

Last updated : 26 April 2006 By James Kirk
Celtic Supporters Association Press release





The CSA have serious concerns for the safety and security of all our
Supporters travelling to Tynecastle this weekend. Games at Tynecastle
in the past few years have shown a potential for violence with particular
flash points immediately outside the main stand and at the railway
bridge on route to the bus park. The Executive Committee of the CSA have had
talks with Peter Lawell and Ronnie Hawthorn and highlighted all recent
incidents.Hearts have reduced our allocation of tickets and insist on
accommodating home and away supporters in the same stand. We believe this to be
foolhardy decision and places our supporters at risk. Such was our concern that
we contacted the First Ministers office at Holyrood asking Mr McConnell to
intervene directly, however Mr McConnell believes this is a matter
entirely for Hearts and the Edinburgh Police. Following talks with Celtic and
the Police we understand new stringent segregation procedures will be in
place for Sundays game. Due to the race for second spot and a possible
Champions League qualification place, this game has taken on a new significance
adding an edge to what would have been a meaningless end of season
game.Regardless of the outcome we would advise all our Supporters going to
the game to be extra vigilant and not to react to any provocation.
We trust and hope the day passes without incident but will monitor
closely any incidents and seek talks with all parties if any of our supporters
are endangered.