The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Football: Is it time for safe standing zones at grounds?
Ross County stadium manager shocked by damage after Dundee United cup tie
There have been fresh calls for safe standing zones at premier league football grounds after Dundee United fans destroyed seats during Saturday’s clash with Ross County.
United’s Scottish Cup triumph ended in controversy after seven supporters were arrested following a pitch invasion and accusations of vandalism.
It is understood some supporters tore down signs inside the stadium and threw streamers and toilet rolls on to the pitch, with some spectators entering the field of play at one stage.
Ross County’s stadium manager, David O’Connor, said he was shocked by the damage and that he could not remember the last time such incidents unfolded in the Highlands.
He told The Courier he felt it was now time for the authorities to consider introducing safe standing areas within Scottish football grounds.
He said: “Some fan bases don’t want to sit down and start jumping up and down on their seats. It’s actually quite unsafe.”
Mr O’Connor continued: “I would have to say that I am surprised and disappointed.
“We have been left with more than 70 broken seats in the North stand.
“If that is the behaviour at football matches, the game and clubs need to look closely at it to stop it.
“Our ground staff will take the best part of a week to replace the seats.
“There’s graffiti sprayed on signs and annoying little stickers which have been left.
“It’s just something we are not used to in the north of Scotland.”
Match commander and superintendent Colin Gough said: “It is disappointing that a small minority of fans were involved within disorder in the ground.
“Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated in any form. Inquiries are continuing and there is the potential for further arrests.”
Dundee United previously appealed for fans to stay off the pitch, saying: “All fans are respectfully reminded to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring the club and its support into disrepute and to adhere to the ground regulations and code of conduct of the Global Energy Stadium.
“All fans are advised to remain within the stand and to refrain from entering trackside or the field of play.”