A top cop has demanded powers to stop and search football ultras. David Kennedy, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said it is the only way to make sure that hooligans are not carrying weapons.
The call comes a week after a disabled Rangers fan was left with horrific injuries after he was brutally attacked with a hammer by rival supporters.
Kennedy said: “It is really concerning a person set out that day with a hammer in their pocket knowing what they are going to do. The only way to stop that is to invoke the section 60 power to stop and search people to make sure they are not carrying weapons.
“The only way we can do that is by getting more officers on the street to make sure events are properly policed. We have seen a rise in violence in football – a return of the gang violence that we saw in the Eighties – and we need to be honest here.
“There are not enough cops on the street. When you don’t have a visible police presence, trouble arises. If we keep reducing police numbers it has a knock-on effect.
“I would advise people travelling to the match to only travel with other fans and if you are attending alone, don’t show your team colours until at the ground. You are not dealing with normal fans, you are dealing with people out to cause violence.”
Many Scottish clubs now have an “ultras” group among their support. The trend, which began in Italy, sees groups of young fans dressed in black lead chants and songs within the stadium.
But in recent months there have been signs some elements within the ultras are engaging in violence before and after games. Kurt Davidson, from Stranraer, travelled to Dundee on January 9, to watch Rangers play in the Scottish Premiership at Dens Park.
He was sitting in a McDonald’s when he was hit over the head with a hammer that had a nail lodged in it. Kurt, 54, was taken to hospital and received 20 stitches, as well as treatment for bruising caused by a blunt knife with which the yobs tried to stab him.
Kurt said: “There were about 20 of them, at least, and they were all dressed in black. It was a scary situation. One minute I was looking forward to the game, and the next I was in intensive care, plugged into all of these machines.
“They robbed me of everything, including £255. The only thing they left me with was my bus pass.” The terrifying attack on Kurt came after Celtic and Rangers ultras clashed in Glasgow ahead of their League Cup Final on December 15.
The scenes were slammed as “completely and utterly unacceptable” by First Minister John Swinney. Sickening footage showed hundreds of fans rampaging along Argyle Street in Glasgow ahead of the game.
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