Arrests made following brawl between Hibs and Ayr fans

Published on 03/04/2012 16:58

Five men have been arrested following an outbreak of “serious, violent disorder” between football fans last month.

The violence occurred at Glasgow Central station after a Scottish Cup tie between Hibernian and Ayr United.

One man was taken to hospital, and a severed ear was found at the scene.

The men, aged between 22 and 45 and all from Edinburgh, are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday April 26.

They were arrested this morning after British Transport Police (BTP) investigated the violence.

Six men, aged between 24 and 48, were arrested at the scene and are awaiting legal proceedings.

Detective Inspector Grant Cathcart, from BTP and who led today’s operation, said: “This was serious, violent disorder in which one man was hospitalised. The violence was so extreme that a severed ear was also found at the scene.

“Football-related anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on the rail network and we will continue to work closely with all Scottish forces to take action against anyone who steps out of line and bring hooligans to justice.

“The vast majority of football fans are law abiding and a credit to the clubs they follow, but a small minority, like those arrested today, seek to spoil this good reputation and this is why both the police and the wider criminal justice system make such efforts to bring them to justice.”

Chief Inspector Denise Mulvaney from Lothian and Borders Police said the violence was “totally unacceptable”.

She said: “Today’s operation sends a very clear message that if you are involved in criminal activity before, during or after a football match, you will be identified and brought to justice.”