Caley Thistle and Ross County have issued a joint statement condemning recent crowd trouble involving supporters of both clubs.
The two clubs held a meeting at Caledonian Stadium on Thursday to discuss ways of tackling inappropriate behaviour at derby matches, in light of footage which showed seats being broken in the County end at Saturday’s IRN-BRU Cup final against Connah’s Quay Nomads – which was hosted by Inverness.
Both clubs have vowed to issue bans to any supporters identified as being involved, and their joint statement said: “Clear video images of fans deliberately breaking seats were viewed and the perpetrators are being identified. Although the images viewed were of Ross County fans, ICTFC acknowledge that their fans have also been guilty of similar offences at matches in Dingwall this season. Events of Saturday at the Cup Final are being investigated by Police Scotland and therefore it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time. Both clubs will work with the police to support the ongoing investigation.
“The clubs have had enough of this behaviour and have agreed to work together to highlight and eradicate this unacceptable behaviour from both grounds. Supporters from either club identified will be dealt with and can expect to be banned as a minimum.
“In excess of 150 seats have been damaged in Highland Derby matches and the Irn-Bru Cup Final this season and this is a cost and drain on resources that neither club are prepared to accept any longer.”
The statement continued, saying: “Highland Derby fixtures have always been known as the Friendly Derby and this behaviour from a small group of so called supporters from each club has tarnished what have been fantastic games of football this season.
“Both RCFC and ICTFC are proud of the reputation they have developed in Scottish Football over many years and the community ethos and match day experience is at the centre of their approach. As both clubs have worked hard and have earned a deserved positive profile in Scottish football neither is prepared to be undermined by a small minority of trouble makers who simply will not be tolerated.”
