AFC address pyro and unacceptable behaviour on matchdays
Aberdeen FC have released a statement about the use of pyro and other unacceptable behaviour at matches.
Their statement, published on the club website says: “It has been great to see fans back at Pittodrie enjoying our victories over Dumbarton, Raith Rovers and St Mirren.
“The backing from the majority of fans has been superb however we need help from our supporters when it comes to stopping the use of pyro and other unacceptable behaviour at matches.
“The Club wants to make fans aware of the challenges faced at the St Mirren fixture last weekend and the impact this has had on Aberdeen FC.
“At least 14 pyros were discharged at the game – some of these damaged the pitch and burnt surrounding Astro turf which will be costly to repair. More than 40 seats and frames were vandalised in the Red Shed at a cost of at least £1k to the Club.
“In addition to this an object thrown at one of the away supporters’ buses caused significant damage and is being treated as a criminal act. More information can be found in the Police statement below.
“For the past 10 years, St Mirren games have not required a Police presence. As a result of these issues, that is now under review and could change. With that comes yet further unnecessary cost for the Club.
“We strongly advise that no balaclavas are worn whilst approaching or within the stadium – this will only attract attention, it unnerves other fans and it’s not an image we want to encourage.
“A small, disruptive group is tarnishing the reputation of the Club, impacting the matchday experience for others and costing us a lot of money that could be better spent elsewhere.
“We would urge our supporters who don’t cause these issues to help us deal with this and report any unacceptable behaviour before it escalates and our Red Shed license is taken away by the authorities.”
Police Scotland Statement | Teenager charged following Aberdeen v St Mirren match
A 17-year-old male has been charged in connection with being in possession of a pyrotechnic within a football ground.
The incident occurred at Pittodrie Stadium during the Aberdeen v St Mirren match on Saturday, 6 August, 2022.
Other pyrotechnics were set alight during the match and in the surrounding area prior to kick-off and inquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.
Officers are also carrying out enquiries into an incident in which a supporter’s bus was damaged prior to the game.
Sergeant Jon Spence, from North East Divisional Alcohol and Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Pyrotechnics are inherently dangerous and present a risk of serious injury to those who discharge them and those around them.
“I would ask fans to consider their own safety and wider public safety. We will deal robustly with anyone who chooses to use pyrotechnics illegally.
“Police Scotland will continue to work with Aberdeen Football Club to ensure that anyone involved in criminality in or around the ground will be dealt with appropriately.”
It has been great to see fans back at Pittodrie enjoying our victories so far this season.
The backing from the majority of fans has been superb however we need help when it comes to stopping the use of pyro and other unacceptable behaviour at matches 👇
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) August 11, 2022