Anti-social behaviour warning ahead of Aberdeen v Dundee United fixture
Ahead of Aberdeen FC’s game against Dundee United this weekend, the city centre’s Chief Inspector has warned anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
Last week, officers responded to disturbances in the George Street and Seaforth Road area prior to the Aberdeen v Hibernian match on Friday, 4 November. So far ten men have been arrested in connection with a number offences and enquiries are ongoing. We have worked alongside the football club who will also impose their own sanctions on those identified.
Additional police resources will be deployed to the Pittodrie area this Saturday (12 November) to support the Aberdeen v Dundee United fixture, which kicks-off at 6pm. Officers have been liaising with both clubs and licensees this week to ensure appropriate measures are in place to help keep people safe and we ask for the support and respect of fans attending.
City Centre Chief Inspector David Paterson said: “The behaviour we witnessed on the streets pre-match last week was utterly unacceptable. Fear and alarm was caused to the local community, fireworks were thrown and a minority tainted the safe reputation our city has. I am extremely grateful for the efforts of officers to de-escalate the situation, and would like to thank the members of the public who have assisted with our enquiries so far. I am only grateful that no one was seriously hurt.
“As Event Police Lead for the Dundee United match, let me be clear - we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour on Saturday, nor at any football match for that matter. We know the vast majority of fans turn up at games to support their team and enjoy themselves and we do not want that experience to be ruined by the selfishness of others. Extra officers will be in the area to support the match and I can only hope there is no repeat of last week’s inexcusable events.”
Enquiries are still ongoing into the Hibs match disorder and anyone with information or mobile phone footage is asked to contact the police.
A spokesman from Aberdeen Football Club added: “We are also aware of an unacceptable level of damage caused by fans to seats in the ‘Red Shed’ at Pittodrie during last week’s match. I would take this opportunity to remind fans that this cannot continue and the Club security and stewarding team, working with Police, will be keeping a close eye on this during Saturday’s game.”
