11 held over football trouble

A police crackdown on football disorder resulted in 11 men being arrested during an early-morning operation today.

Officers went to 13 homes across Edinburgh and Musselburgh in connection with trouble which flared at the Hibs v Sunderland pre-season friendly match last month.

The men face charges of breach of the peace, some of which were aggravated by religious prejudice.

They are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.

It follows eight arrests for breach of the peace and assault on the day of the match at Easter Road on August 6.

A total of 50 officers from Lothian and Borders Police and the national football co-ordination unit for Scotland took part in the operation.

Superintendent Donnie MacKinnon said it sent out a strong message that any disorder at football grounds would not be tolerated.

He said: "While I cannot comment on these individuals, what I am very clear about is that this force will continue to fully investigate complaints regarding any anti-social behaviour and disorder, and particularly any hate crime, whether associated to a sporting event or not.

"True fans attend fixtures to show support for the team they follow. There is a small minority who attend for other reasons. We will not let them spoil the enjoyment of the genuine fans.

"Equally, we will not let them disrupt other members of the public who may be going about their business elsewhere in the city on a day of a match."

He added: "Disorder is not acceptable and where there is sufficient evidence, we will arrest and charge those responsible and seek football banning orders."

PA