POLICE Scotland have been ridiculed after boasting on social media about their “skill in policing major events”.
The scandal-hit force decided to give itself a pat on the back via Twitter, posting: “Events like @TinthePark & the Scottish Cup Final further demonstrates @PoliceScotland skill in policing major events.”
The tweet prompted a barrage of abuse and ridicule from followers who pointed out that T in the Park was tainted by mass brawls, drug-related deaths, and the theft of a cash machine.
They also drew the force’s attention to the fact that the Scottish Cup final in May, between Rangers and Hibs, was soured when hundreds of fans invaded the Hampden pitch, with some attacking the players.
Twitter responded with a string of clips taken from movies and television, including Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura films pulling a confused face and a baffled-looking Eric Morecambe.
One even sent in a short clip of Karl Pilkington saying “bulls**t” and another used several clips of Dwayne Johnson as ‘The Rock’ pulling strange faces.
@Art_VandelayRFC commented: “It’s not April fools day, lads.”
@JohnFriarRFC replied: “I thought it was a joke or a parody account or something but apparently not.”
@liam_crockert said: “2 fatalities, a missing atm at TITP and a massive rammy at Hampden, great policing skills.”
Whilst @Frankie_1001 added: “100% agree. They perfectly showcased your complete incompetence and how willing you are to endanger public safety. Failures.”
T in the Park was clouded in controversy following the deaths of two young festival goers, Megan Bell and Peter McCallum, both 17.
Jim Richardson, 29, died on his way home from the festival whilst various clips of mass brawls and drug abuse emerged from the event in July at Strathallan Castle, Perthshire.
Police also investigated a rape and the theft of a cash machine at the three-day music event.
Some 429 crimes were reported in total at the festival and 54 arrests were made, both increases on the previous year’s totals.
Despite Hibs winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 114 years, many will remember this year’s final for chaotic scenes after the full-time whistle.
Rival fans clashed on the pitch and players were attacked as they left the field. Nearly 60 arrests have been made so far as a result of the mayhem in May.
