AN INCREASED police presence will be felt for Forfar Athletic's William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round replay with Linthlithgow Rose after smoke bombs and flares were used during the abandoned meeting of the pair last week.
Last Tuesday's tie at Station Park was brought to a halt after just a few minutes due to floodlight failure. However, there was still time for unsavoury scenes at the League One club’s ground as smoke engulfed the park before referee Stephen Finnie brought proceedings to a halt.
The timing of the antics could not have come at a poorer time as just earlier that day SPFL club chiefs had gathered at the National Stadium to discuss such matters and even bring up the topic of introducing facial recognition cameras at grounds to eliminate anti-social behaviour.
Now ahead of tomorrow night’s replay between Forfar and Linlithgow, a joint statement from Station Park chairman Alastair Donald and Rose president Leslie Donaldson has confirmed security has been substantially increased for the third meeting of the sides in quick succession.
It read: “Forfar Athletic and Linlithgow Rose will make a second attempt on Tuesday night at Station Park to play their William Hill Scottish Cup replay, after the unfortunate electrical problems within the ground that contributed to floodlight failure and the eventual abandonment of the fixture last midweek.
“The game on Tuesday of last week was also marred by crowd disorder including the release of smoke bombs and the throwing of flares from a section of the covered terracing a most worrying aspect which has no place in our game.
“These incidents are now the subject of enquiries by Police Scotland and the Scottish Football Association.
“Both Forfar Athletic and Linlithgow Rose officials hope that tomorrow night’s clash will be enjoyed by a healthy support from both clubs as well as any neutrals who are in attendance.
“This was undoubtedly the case in the original tie played in a great spirit and in an almost carnival atmosphere in front of a crowd in excess of 2,000 at Prestonfield earlier in the month.
“Sadly but with the safety of all spectators in mind, following last week’s events, there will be a much larger police presence on Tuesday night both inside and outside the ground, as well as increased stewarding.
“This of course will impact on the finances of the host club. The turnstiles will be open at 7pm prompt and spectators are urged to arrive as early as possible. Where police or stewards deem it necessary spectators may be searched prior to entering the ground.”
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