Celtic banter 22128

22 Dec 2013 13:04:53
St Johnstone Club statement:-


The next match at McDiarmid Park is this coming Thursday, the Boxing Day fixture against Celtic. It's a 3pm kick-off and the game is live on ssn Sports.

The game is all-ticket and tickets remain available to both sets of supporters tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday. These are only available from the McDiarmid Park Ticket Office (opening hours: Monday 9.30am to 5pm and Tuesday 9.30am to 3pm). The Ticket Office number is 01738 455000.

This is a high-profile fixture at a great time of the season and both clubs are determined that the game is played in a safe environment which can be enjoyed by everyone.

Supporters will be aware that, regrettably, there has been a significant increase in the letting off of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at games across the country this season.

These are inherently unsafe not only for those around the devices but also for spectators in general, particularly those who suffer from breathing disorders. They also have the potential to set seats alight and cause flags to burn.

St Johnstone FC and Celtic FC fully support Police Scotland in their attempts to eradicate this nuisance from our game and as part of the planning process for this match between the three parties and other agencies, and as there have been several instances of flags being used as cover for the igniting of these devices, a decision has been taken that for this specific fixture flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park. Fans are asked to be considerate of this requirement in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others.

Police Scotland have issued a statement on this and other aspects of the match which reads: 'A large crowd is expected for the all ticket fixture between St Johnstone FC and Celtic FC on Boxing Day.

Police Scotland has been working closely with both clubs and other agencies to ensure that everyone enjoys the game in true festive spirit. But we also serve notice that anyone who falls foul of the law runs the risk of spending part of the Christmas period locked up.

Match Commander Superintendent Kevin Lynch said: 'We welcome both sets of supporters for what we are sure will be an excellent sporting event. We hope that they all enjoy themselves and we will be there to help keep them safe.

'The police and both clubs expect everyone to enjoy the occasion in the right way and abide by the law, as well as the ground regulations. We will be on hand to assist them where required and, where necessary, to deal effectively with anyone who is involved in disorder or other criminal behaviour.

Those attending the game, as well as the local community, can rest assured that we will deal effectively with any incidents and put offenders before the courts. That could mean a spell in custody for offenders at a time when I am sure they would prefer to be with friends and family. So please come along and enjoy the game in the right way.'

As part of the planning process between the police, St Johnstone FC, Celtic FC and other agencies, a decision has been taken that flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park stadium for this game. Fans are asked to be considerate of this requirement in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others.

As with all fixtures, alcohol, containers, smoke bombs and pyrotechnic flares are not permitted in the ground and again, appropriate action will be taken against anyone in possession of such items who is breaching ground safety regulations or involved in any criminal activity.

Police officers will be active outside the ground to prevent the misuse of alcohol and there will be stop checks carried out on supporters' buses en route to the game.

With road works ongoing on the local network, supporters are also advised to allow plenty of time for travel to the game to ensure that they arrive at the ground in plenty of time to be inside for kick-off.

Superintendent Lynch said: 'We look forward to an entertaining afternoon and hope that everyone who attends enjoys the contest between the sides in a good-natured and enthusiastic way where everyone is safe and remembers the game for all the right reasons.'