TWO free climbers have been condemned for scaling 30m-high floodlights at Aberdeen FC’s ground without safety equipment.
A jaw-dropping clip, posted online, shows the daredevils clambering up the huge structure before dangling over the side, using just one hand to hold on.
Elvis Bogdanovs uploaded the stomach-churning clip on to Youtube showing himself along with friend, Robbie Borthwick, climbing at Pittodrie earlier this week.
The stunt has been slammed by the club and a local MSP said it was “only a matter of time” before before someone is killed.
The clip begins with the fearless pair getting in to the grounds by scrambling over a wall.
The duo then check to make sure no-one is around as they sneak around the corner and reach the floodlight before climbing over a corrugated barrier and beginning the ascent.
With no safety equipment, one of the two men uses the ladder, whilst the other climbs on the outside of the metal frame.
Pausing to admire the incredible view at the top of the structure, one of the climbers – seen wearing a red Aberdeen FC shirt – then balances precariously on a metal banister, nearly falling a number of times due to the wind.
The man wearing the camera is then seen moving around the outside of the floodlight frame before hanging from the platform using just one hand.
After completing the climb and making their way back down, the stuntmen then make their way into the stadium and wander through the stands.
The clip has attracted criticism from Police Scotland as well as the club and local politicians.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wallace said: “Climbs such as these should be done in conjunction with the owners of the building and equipment.”
A spokesman from the club added: “They are obviously compromising their own safety and we have informed the police.”
Tom Mason, North-east MSP slammed the pair saying: “It is no exaggeration to say that one of these young men could have been killed.
“This type of stunt sets a terrible example for other young people, who may be tempted to follow suit.
“It would only be a matter of time before someone is badly hurt.”
Under the clip posted online, the description reads: “So, we didn’t actually climb the stadium stands themselves, however we did climb the flood lights which are much higher!
“I then decided to go onto the pitch and chill for a couple of minutes, only to find that the sprinklers suddenly turned on!”
Commenting on the video, viewers approved of the climbers’ antics.
Bobby Mair wrote: “Love ur videos keep up the good work”
Aerzhs12 said: “yo sick dude, your so strong.”
The Tasty Melon responded: “Nice vid man”
An Aberdeen FC spokesman added: “We have been in consultation with the authorities and we condemn their thoroughly foolhardy actions.”
Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Kevin Wallace said: “We would not support such activity and are aware of the inherent dangers associated with this sport.
“Climbs such as these should be done in conjunction with the owners of buildings and equipment, who will have in-depth knowledge of specific dangers associated with the site, staff and public use and access issues which may be impacted.
“Our view would be to only climb within the range of your own experience and capability and only with the permission of the owner of the property and buildings concerned.”
Talking about the clip today, Elvis likened his freeclimbing to other sports such as motocross and skydiving.
He said: “Myself and Robbie are freeclimbing athletes, specifically, ‘Urban Freeclimbers’.
“Of course there is a risk in what we do, but people need to understand that everything has a risk.
“This is a sport, racing is a sport, rock climbing, skydiving, motorcross, freerunning. They all pose a risk. However, they pose a minimal risk to those who actually spend everyday training for it.
“I’ve been training for around five plus years. To some, this may seem like the most dangerous thing ever, to me, this is far from dangerous.
Describing the inspiration behind the climb, Elivis continued: “Recently, we found out that the Aberdeen Football Stadium is in plans to be demolished and built in another location.
“Our intention was to create a final, brilliant image of the stadium as a whole. It was formed in over a 100 years, which is a lot of memories for some.”
Taking responsibilty for their actions, he added: “Whilst we climb, we never attempt to cause any damages to the structure, or the equipment on it. We simply have a thrill for climbing structures.
“We have absolutely no intention of causing the police, nor the Aberdeen FC any problems. We both take full responsibility for climbing the structure and adhere to the risks.”
