POLICE CALL FOR TYNECASTLE REVIEW

HEARTS are being forced to get match-by-match clearance to play games at Tynecastle despite claiming a ‘satisfactory outcome’ to an emergency summit with police and council officials yesterday. Police Superintendent Bob Paris has written to Edinburgh City Council expressing ‘concerns over the public safety of patrons’ at a ground still in upheaval following the construction of a new £12million stand. The letter detailed a raft of concerns, ranging from the security of ‘unpopular’ visiting managers if they are sent to the stand, to an increased risk of pitch invasion. Hearts confirmed tomorrow’s visit of Motherwell will go ahead, but with Celtic visiting on Sunday week and Hibs making the first of two quickfire trips on December 27, Paris revealed he would be reviewing police and stewarding numbers for all upcoming games. And he recommended the council ‘re-examine the safety certificate’ awarded when Hearts owner Ann Budge (right) dashed to beat a deadline on the eve of the club’s return to the ground. The officer in charge of public events wrote: ‘At present, I have concerns over the public safety of patrons attending football matches at Tynecastle Park.’ After Hearts manager Craig Levein was sent to the stand in last weekend’s game with Hamilton, Paris noted: ‘Should an unpopular manager or other away team official be there, it would have the potential for increased tension and risk.’ He also highlighted an ‘increased risk of pitch incursion’ because of problems with trackside gates and barriers. With the directors’ box not ‘delineated’ from the rest of the ground, Paris said fans being held back while dignitaries left the ground led to a crowd build-up and ‘tension’. He also cited electrical problems, including CCTV, floodlights and lighting in the toilets and concourses. Turnstile troubles and a fire alarm requiring evacuation were also mentioned as Paris declared: ‘Given the incidents in the previous three matches, I now have significant concerns over the reliability of electrical systems within Tynecastle Park. ‘I regard the likelihood of emergency/ evacuation to have increased significantly and have undertaken a risk assessment, which now recategorises the risk associated with subsequent matches of a higher grade. This prompts a review of police and steward numbers. ‘The lack of delineation between directors and supporters — and arrangements for away managers and officials — also needs to be addressed. ‘I recommend the City of Edinburgh Council re-examine the safety certificate issued and undertake an investigation to address these points to ensure a safe and reliable stadium.’ A council spokesman revealed: ‘As work in the stadium is ongoing, contingency measures are being put in place to reinforce safety procedures, while temporary occupation certificates and general safety certificates will continue to be issued on a match-by-match basis.’ In a club statement yesterday, Hearts went no further than guaranteeing the Motherwell game had been given the green light. It read: ‘Heart of Midlothian Football Club can confirm it was contacted by Edinburgh City Council with regards to a letter sent to them by Police Scotland. ‘The letter expressed some concerns regarding general security following a number of unrelated incidents at the first three games held at Tynecastle Park. ‘Following a satisfactory outcome to a meeting held today, attended by all parties, the club is looking forward to welcoming Motherwell this Saturday.’ The SPFL said: ‘We have been in contact with Hearts, who are already liaising with Police Scotland and Edinburgh City Council regarding this issue. Hearts will keep us up to date with developments and we’ll continue to monitor the situation.’