Hibernian drum ban is ‘bizarre’ says Stuart McCall

Stuart McCall has branded the drum ban 'bizarre.' Picture: SNS

McCall branded the ban “strange and quite ridiculous”, adding: “At a time when we are trying to attract more fans to games it’s bizarre.”

A group of young Fir Park fans take the instrument up and down the country in order to drum up an atmosphere at both home and away matches, and Motherwell fans group Well Society echoed McCall’s sentiments, urging the Easter Road side to have a rethink.

The Motherwell boss added: “It’s not a flare. It’s not going to hurt anyone. I know Hibs have a drummer. Is he going to be allowed in and our drummer not? Is our drummer louder than their drummer?”

A Hibs spokesman denied the club had outlawed drums at the match, saying: “Let’s nail this straight away; Hibernian have not banned the use of drums.

“We have banned the fans from using the snare drum because we received numerous complaints at the last match because that particular drum was too noisy.”

But Motherwell feel the decision is out of order, after they agreed to alter the date of the original fixture to allow Hibs to try and attract a bigger crowd.

McCall explained: “We were supposed to be playing midweek. And for the fans a Saturday at 3pm is far better than a Wednesday at 7.45pm.

“So to be hit with the news they are banning something that is going to create a bit of atmosphere in the ground is bizarre.”

But the former Rangers and Bradford midfielder feels that Hibs have only damaged their plans to attract more fans, with Steelmen supporters contemplating boycotting the match.

McCall added: “At a time when we are trying to encourage fans to go and create a hit of atmosphere it makes no sense.

“Hibs have a big stadium and it will probably only be half full anyway.”