Clubs fight rail disorder

HEARTS and Hibs are among the Scottish clubs that have signed up to a new scheme to cut football-related disorder on the railway.

Following incidents of fans chanting sectarian abuse, a new formal information sharing initiative has been signed between the British Transport Police and Scotland's top teams.

It will allow the BTP to inform a club of any individuals who come to notice. Last year saw a 49 per cent rise in the number of football-related offenders dealt with and in 2009/10, there were 68 serious football-related incidents.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas says: "It's unacceptable that other passengers and rail staff should have to suffer disruption and abuse."