Sniffer dogs drafted in at Hibs games

A SCOTTISH football club is to use sniffer dogs in a bid to halt drugs and fireworks being smuggled into its ground.

In the first move of its kind, Hibernian FC has confirmed it will deploy the animals to deter any troublemakers.

The Edinburgh club last night also warned its fans and Celtic supporters heading to Easter Road today to arrive early to avoid delays.

A Hibs spokesman said: ‘For the next two home games we will have specially trained sniffer dogs on site as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure supporters can enjoy the safest and most enjoyable matchday experience at Easter Road.’

Hibs vowed to crack down on bad behaviour after a Buckfast bottle was thrown at Celtic winger Scott Sinclair at Easter Road last month, then a fan confronted Rangers’ James Tavernier on the pitch.

The club spokesman said: ‘If we can create deterrents, whatever they may be, we need to use them.’