One fan arrested at Annan Athletic-Rangers game amid claims of sectarian chanting

Published on 17/09/2012 16:52

One man was arrested at the Annan Athletic versus Rangers match at the weekend in what police said was the first test for officers and the club to manage a big game at the ground.

• One man arrested at Annan Athletic-Rangers game for having alcohol at a football game

• Police say more people will be reported for other offences

The third division fixture at Galabank stadium in the Dumfries and Galloway town on Saturday was a sell-out, with 2,500 tickets issued.

The game, which ended goalless, was the first time the Annan team had played Rangers.

As well as having around 20 officers at the ground, extra officers and road units were on duty to patrol the town and to deal with increased traffic, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said.

A small number of offences were detected, including three separate counts of sectarian singing and two cases of letting off a smoke flare, according to police. A 49-year-old man was arrested in relation to having alcohol at a football ground.

The force say more people will be reported for other offences.

Inspector Gordon McKnight said: “The police were well aware that this game would have a big impact on the town and I was keen that it was policed sufficiently to ensure that disruption was kept as low as possible and that people were able to enjoy the day.

“I was personally pleased with the way the town was policed, where we kept highly visible on the streets and in licensed premises. It was big event for the police, the football club, the pubs and the town, and everything appeared to go well.

“It was the first real test for the police and Annan Athletic to manage a big game at the new ground at Galabank and whilst it went well, we will get together with the club to discuss our experience and see what we can do to improve things for the future.”