A junior football club has become the first in its league to have bouncers at all games following a violent incident.
Stewards will watch over every Petershill FC match for the foreseeable future, after a gang of around 30 masked youths forced their way onto its home ground and caused thousands of pounds of damage last month.
The North Glasgow team plays in the seventh tier, in the West of Scotland Football League and rents Petershill Park in Springburn from the Partick Thistle Charitable Trust.
Fraser Cromar, CEO of the organisation, said: “Until I am confident that the ultras and the fanbase have been engaged and are being dealt with in the correct way, I do a pre-match briefing with the club and they let me know what actions they have taken.
“This includes the presence of two or three badged marshals.
“I want them to get into the game in the correct way and to be understanding of the roles and responsibilities we have.”
It is understood that this is the first time in this league that such security measures have had to be introduced for the safety of staff and supporters.
The number of stewards will be determined by attendance levels and their wages will be paid by the football club.
The Peasy also participates in the South Challenge Cup and it was during their clash against Sauchie Juniors FC that the incident took place, on September 13.
Two members of staff were “assaulted” during the terrifying incident, which saw a large group, wearing black clothes and balaclavas, burst into the building and force their way to the grass pitch, carrying poles and corner flags, which they had ripped out of the ground earlier.
Since then, teachers at nearby Springburn Academy have identified some of the children who were involved in the antisocial behaviour and representatives of Partick Thistle Charitable Trust held a talk at the school.
Mr Cromar explained: “A member of Petershill FC committee and I went to speak to the individuals who have been identified, making them aware of what happened.
“We explained he implications their actions had and discussed with them what they want out of football and why they did this.
“It boiled down to the fact that they were bored and they got dragged along with those who took things too far.
“They were apologetic and said they want to go to Petershill games, so we are working on ways to include them in a way that doesn’t involve pyrotechnics or having masks on.”
Petershill FC and the West of Scotland League have been contacted for comment.
Previously, Police Scotland confirmed that a male youth was charged in connection with the incident and a report was submitted to the relevant authority.
Now, a spokesperson said: “Enquiries remain ongoing for this incident.”
Source – Glasgow times