Incident Outside Forfar Athletic Ground
Police responded to a disturbance outside Forfar Athletic's Station Park ground less than two weeks after the club implemented a ban on unaccompanied under-16s attending matches.
Two boys are to be reported to youth justice services following reports that a large group of youths caused trouble as fans exited the stadium on Saturday. The home team had secured a 1-0 victory against East Kilbride FC.
Earlier in the month, Forfar Athletic introduced a policy prohibiting under-16s without a season ticket from attending matches unless accompanied by an adult, in response to a series of disorderly incidents at games.
Both Forfar Athletic and East Kilbride FC have condemned the disruptive behaviour and confirmed collaboration with police to identify all individuals involved.
The Scottish League Two club clarified that the group of youths involved had not been inside the match but had gathered outside the ground after full-time, waiting for fans to leave.
Previously, the club stated that they had no alternative but to implement new measures for their remaining three home fixtures to address disorderly conduct.
Since 1 April, any non-season ticket holders under 16 years old are only permitted entry if accompanied by a paying adult.
Additionally, anyone attempting to enter the ground wearing a face covering will be asked to remove it. Refusal to comply will result in denial of access.
Police Response
Police Scotland confirmed they were alerted to a group causing a disturbance on Carseview Road in Forfar on Saturday afternoon.
They stated that two male youths will be reported to youth justice authorities and that further investigations are ongoing.
"We have a zero-tolerance approach to disorder at football matches. Any incidents will be thoroughly investigated and offenders reported to the appropriate authorities."
Club Reaction
Forfar Athletic expressed extreme disappointment regarding the recent incident.
"We understand that a group of youths, who had not been in attendance at the match, had gathered outside the ground at full-time with, what would appear to have been, the sole intent of instigating an incident.
Police attended outside the ground and apprehended some of those involved as they attempted to flee the scene.
Whether incidents occur inside or outside the ground it is entirely unacceptable that supporters who may be attending a match at Station Park may be subject to threatening and abusive behaviour which may give rise to concerns for their personal safety."
The club emphasised that this behaviour is not the environment they wish to foster at Station Park.
"We would urge anyone who may have any information to contact the police in order that we can ensure that those involved can be identified and prevented from being allowed to instigate any further such incidents.
The club wish to foster a family atmosphere at Station Park and will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour such as this."
East Kilbride FC Statement
East Kilbride FC also expressed their sadness over the events.
"Unfortunately, what transpired outside the ground put a number of people's safety at risk.
Forfar Athletic are working to discover full details and identify culprits and we thank them in these efforts."
