NewsCourt & CrimeFootball fans arrested in dawn raid

Football fans arrested in dawn raid

The fans were arrested following disorder at Easter Road

Eleven football fans have been arrested during dawn raids in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Police officers went to 13 homes after following disorder at the Hibs V Sunderland match at Easter Road last month.

The men have been charged with breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice.

Eight fans had been arrested for breach of the peace and assault on the day of the match and police had previously indicated that their inquiries were continuing in an effort to trace others who may have been involved.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the raids had been “very successful”.

Chanting

Supt Donnie MacKinnon said: “This force will continue to fully investigate complaints regarding any anti-social and disorder, and particularly any hate crime whether associated to a sporting event or not.

“True fans attend fixtures to show support for the team they follow.

“There is a small minority who attend for other reasons.

“We will not let them spoil the enjoyment of the genuine fans. Equally we will not let them disrupt other members of the public who may be going about their business elsewhere in the city on a day of a match.”

Fifty officers from Lothian and Borders Police were working with the Football FOCUS Unit.

The police operation comes just four days before Hearts play host to Celtic at Tynecastle.

Supt MacKinnon added: “We are reminding both sets of fans that unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated and the police and the two clubs will take seriously any racist, sectarian or offensive chanting before, during, or after the game.”

 

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