Sheriffs are shown grounds for concern on matchdays

SHERIFFS from Edinburgh have been taken to matches at Easter Road and Tynecastle to learn about policing football-related disorder.

Police chiefs escorted sheriffs to the fixtures to share with them the demands of maintaining order at games and the potential problems that can erupt.

The move is part of plans to increase the use of football banning orders against thugs who cause trouble inside the grounds, or before and after games. The orders are used to ban supporters from stadiums, as well as approaching grounds on match days.

Superintendent Donnie McKinnon said: “We want to work closely with the courts to help obtain banning orders.”

Earlier this week, Faith Millar was appointed as the football liaison prosecutor for the East of Scotland. She will work with the force to improve the quality of police reports and ensure strong cases are made to the court to grant football banning orders.

Ms Millar said: “I will take this opportunity to work closely with the police, the courts and other agencies who are committed to eradicating football-related disorder.”