Celtic fans' Firhill stand ban

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/celtic-fans-firhill-stand-ban-127758n.21371272

Firhill chairman David Beattie announced the move last night and said: "The consequences of incendiary devices in a wooden-clad stand are there for all to see."

Thistle took the controversial decision to ensure they received a Safety Certificate for the ground ahead of their return to Scotland's top flight next season.

Fears over flares had prompted authorities to review the matter and the decision has now been taken to give Celtic fans the North Stand.

The agreement comes just weeks after trouble marred the Glasgow Cup Final at Firhill when fans set off flares and smoke bombs.

Beattie added: "The Police Football Intelligence Unit raised concerns as to the increased use of flares by sections of some away support, citing a number of incidents that have taken place over the last season.

"This, along with our own experiences of flares at Firhill over the last couple of seasons, meant it is something we have to seriously consider."

A Jags 'singing section' was situated in the North Stand last season, but the group will have to be moved when Celtic travel across Glasgow to accommodate the Hoops fans. Beattie said: "At the club's Operations Board Meeting, it was agreed that approaches would be made to representatives from the North Stand to keep them up to speed.

"But due to people's commitments the original meeting date was delayed.

"Unfortunately, events overtook that consultation process as the timings around the renewal of the Safety Certificate meant that a strict segregation policy which banned Celtic supporters from the main stand was enforced.

"In essence, this left the club with a fait accompli regards moving our own fans."

While Thistle have been left with little option but to relocate their supporters for the Celtic clashes, the decision will infuriate Jags fans who revelled in the North Stand last season.

The red and yellow army played their part in Thistle's First Division title success by roaring Alan Archibald's side on from the stand, but will now have to be moved from their usual seats for one of the biggest matches of the campaign.

Beattie said: "We share our fans' frustrations that due to elements outwith our own control we are required to move our fans from the North Stand.

"However, we are confident that no matter their location, the Thistle fans will provide the players with fantastic support and again make us proud of our wonderful fans."

Partick Thistle ban Celtic thugs from their Main Stand

Monday 17th June at 18:32 The Club is presently gearing up for the return of top flight football to Firhill Stadium which is providing us with a variety of challenges. One such challenge is supporter segregation due to the increased numbers and different dynamics of away supports who will visit over the coming season. The North Stand was a huge success last season, which was widely acknowledged by players, coaching staff and supporters alike and there can be no doubt it played a major part in our excellent home form. Our main aim this season has been that the North Stand remained for the home support only. This was opposed by the Police, due to the natural segregation offered by the North Stand, however the club have fought hard to ensure that this is the case as much as we possibly can. Unfortunately there are times when these decisions are taken out of our hands as the health and safety of supporters within Firhill Stadium takes precedence During meetings around this matter the Police Football Intelligence Unit raised concerns as to the increased use of flares by sections of some away support, citing a number of incidents that have taken place over the last season. This, coupled with our own experiences of flares at Firhill over the last couple of season, meant that it is something we have to seriously consider as the consequences of incendiary devices in a wooden clad stand are there for all to see. It should be made clear that the Club are legally responsible for the safety of everyone inside the Stadium; not the police. The Club would be liable to criminal prosecution were anything to go wrong. If the Glasgow Council Safety Team make this a condition for granting a safety certificate for the stadium we have no option but to comply. If an incident were to take place at Firhill we need to satisfy ourselves that we took every possible preventative measure; unfortunately the people who pay for this stance are our own fans. At the Club’s Operations Board Meeting, it was agreed that approaches would be made to representatives from the North Stand to keep them up to speed with developments. Approaches were made and proposed dates for the meeting suggested but due to peoples’ commitments the original meeting date was delayed. It should be made clear the subject to be discussed was not advised in advance. Unfortunately events overtook that consultation process as the timings around the renewal of the Safety Certificate meant that a strict segregation policy which banned Celtic Supporters from the Main Stand was enforced. In essence this left the Club with a Fait Accompli regards moving our own fans. The North Stand has become an integral part of Matchday Experience at Partick Thistle. It’s very much overused but our Supporters last year were our 12th Man. The onethistle project was and is a success. The feeling of unity between players and support was tangible and played a huge part in our success last season. We share our fans frustration that due to elements out with our own control we are required to move our fans from the North Stand and would clearly state our unhappiness at having to do so, however we are confident though that no matter their location the Thistle fans will provide the players with fantastic support and once more make us proud of our wonderful fans who we believe are surpassed in their support by nobody. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. David Beattie Chairman Partick Thistle Football Club http://ptfc.co.uk/news/2013-2014/jun...on_next_season