Officers hail crackdown on derby casuals

Published on Friday 10 November 2006 11:32

A MAJOR police clampdown on football casuals across Edinburgh has been hailed a success after Wednesday's derby clash passed with no arrests.

The operation saw officers trailing Hibs and Hearts supporters in pubs and streets throughout the city in the biggest policing operation at an Edinburgh football match in more than five years.

The move followed violence between rival gangs of hooligans after the 2-2 draw last month, where fighting erupted in Lothian Road and Fountain Park.

Police chiefs described the violent scenes, which saw officers make 14 arrests after around 60 thugs fought running street battles, as the Capital's "worst" football-related violence in 20 years.

A total of 100 officers were assigned to Wednesday's match at Easter Road - a 30 per increase on the usual police presence deployed for derby clashes.

Superintendent Ramzan Mohayuddin, area commander based at Leith police station, said: "We were well organised and I am delighted that the operation was a success. We have sent out a clear message to the minority that go looking for trouble that it will not be tolerated.

"Wednesday's match was a good opportunity for us to gather more intelligence."