Ross County cannot stop fans invading the pitch at the Global Energy Stadium, according to their safety officer – but he pleaded with punters over what he says is potentially-criminal behaviour.
The Staggies’ David O’Connor was speaking to The Press and Journal following a late incursion on to the Dingwall playing surface by Dundee fans at the weekend.
Away supporters spilled out of the North Stand following Joe Shaughnessy’s 97th-minute winner for the visitors.
Although County had stewards in place – as well as paying for 10 officers from Police Scotland to assist – O’Connor said not just the volume of fans, but safety concerns mean it is “very difficult” to block supporters if they move towards the pitch.
He said: “We don’t try to push them back, because in terms of safety, if anyone falls or slips and other people come across them, they could trample on them – you can then get more serious injuries.
“Our position, quite simply, is to release pressure from the surge and then remove people (from the pitch) back into the stands.
“It’s a technique that is recognised in sport.
“There will no doubt be questions about stewarding and policing, but this was deemed to be a low-risk operation, which will be fully debriefed for any learning points.”
O’Connor added: “Physical barriers and fencing have quite rightly been outlawed since the Hillsborough and Bradford disasters and therefore fans must work with clubs and the police to ensure safety is achieved.”
Invading the pitch ‘could be construed as criminal offence’
O’Connor is a former police chief superintendent.
While admitting he understands fans’ instinctive urge to “want to celebrate with the players”, he insists such behaviour cannot be condoned – as it is “dangerous” for all concerned, including supporters and players.
He thinks those attending matches need to be aware entering the field of play could lead to criminal charges.
O’Connor added: “We have stewards interacting with supporters, encouraging them not to jump the barrier and not to come on to the pitch.
“We also have safety announcement we put out in the stadium and everyone is well aware of the circumstances.
“Supporters are well aware of the standards of behaviour expected of them during a match.
“In terms of the law – and that’s a matter for Police Scotland – that (going on to the pitch) could be construed as a criminal offence.
“The exercise and application of the law is a matter for the police, but we certainly need an effective deterrent.
“What you do also need is clubs taking sanctions against these individuals when they are identified.”
Staggies safety boss defends striker Simon Murray’s push on Dundee fan
County safety chief O’Connor also addressed the moment where Ross County striker Simon Murray was seen to push an onrushing Dundee fan away and on to the ground during pitch invasion.
He said: “One of the Dundee supporters ran at Simon, who quite simply fended him off, as I would describe it.
“The person running on the pitch is committing an offence because they’re not supposed to be there.
“And to run at a football player on the pitch… well, Simon simply pushed the supporter away and the supporter landed on the ground.
“As a policeman for 31 years, I can say that’s what I would consider a fend-off when you are concerned for your safety.
“After the incident, the supporter got up and ran away.”
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