Teenager arrested as Hibs and St Johnstone ultras clash before Premiership match
Footage of clashes posted on social media
Members of a Hibs ultras group were barred from watching their team at the weekend after clashing with opposition fans and police.
Around 40 members of the Edinburgh club’s Block Seven group were denied entry to St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park following disorder between fans on Sunday afternoon.
Masked youths belonging to the group were locked out of the ground by police officers after fighting broke out in the car park outside the ground at around 2pm.
Police have said one 17-year-old supporter was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer following the trouble.
St Johnstone FC has mounted an investigation after the violence broke out between the home team’s ultra group Fair City Union and the Hibs group. Footage of the two ultra groups clashing was subsequently posted on social media.
The Edinburgh ultras were then forced to congregate on the hill at the corner of the Ormond and Geoff Brown Stands for the duration of the game.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 17-year-old male was arrested and charged in connection with police assault. He was released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.”
St Johnstone posted a message regarding the incident on its own club website on Monday. The message read: “St Johnstone Football Club is aware of the concerns raised from our supporters following the Hibs match on Sunday. The club is currently carrying out a full review of the circumstances.
“The club is undertaking internal discussions and investigating the matters raised to ensure that all relevant information is properly considered. We would ask for patience while this process is completed.
“Further information will be made available once the club has concluded its investigation and is in a position to provide an update.”
St Johnstone picked up the three points against Hibernian by winning the Scottish Premiership match 2-1 with a double from striker Josh Fowler. Hibs forward Nathan Lowe scored a first half equaliser for the Easter Road side in front of 5793 supporters.