POLICE SCOTLAND SEMI FINAL ADVICE FOR SUPPORTERS

Thousands of football fans are expected to descend on Glasgow over the weekend for the games at the National Stadium, Hampden when Dundee United play Aberdeen (Sat 31 January 2015 at 3pm) and Celtic play Rangers (Sunday 1 February 2015 at 1.30pm). Police Scotland is highly experienced in dealing with high-profile sporting events and has prepared an appropriate security plan focusing on public safety. Scotland’s national police service is advising supporters to plan their travel in order to arrive at the games on time and to behave responsibly so the focus can firmly be on the football. Travel advice Travel directions and stadium entry restrictions can be found on the Police Scotland website www.scotland.police.uk. Aberdeen and Rangers Support: There are designated routes for coaches for entry to and from the stadium via Battlefield and private vehicles are asked to use on-street parking at the west side of the stadium. Limited paid parking is available within the Queens Park Recreational Ground. Dundee United and Celtic Support: There are designated routes for coaches for entry to and from the stadium via Polmadie and private vehicles are asked to use on-street parking at the east side of the stadium. Limited parking is available in the car park at Aikenhead Road. Parking is controlled by a temporary traffic regulation order (coned areas). On street parking should only be utilised out with restricted areas as a tow-away scheme is in operation for illegally parked vehicles. As a result, there is limited parking available in the vicinity of the stadium; supporters are encouraged to travel via train where possible. Please note that restrictions are in place for the sale and carrying of alcohol on certain trains. Please visit www.scotrail.co.uk for further information. Aberdeen and Rangers supporters using rail services should travel via Mount Florida station. Dundee United and Celtic supporters using rail services should travel via Kings Park station. Sport Grounds and Alcohol It is an offence: • To enter the sports ground if you are in possession of any pyrotechnic device including flares, fireworks, pellets etc (matches/cigarette lighters are not included). • To attempt to enter the sports ground with a controlled container (any bottle, can or other portable container whether open or sealed) or alcohol either prior to, during or after the game. This is also the case inside the arena or in the surrounding area. • To be drunk within or to attempt to enter whilst drunk a sports stadium or surrounding area. • To be in possession of alcohol or be drunk aboard a coach, mini-bus, public service vehicle or railway vehicle taking you to a designated sporting event. The driver, keeper, employee or person hiring the vehicle on which alcohol is being carried also commits an offence. Note: Police checks on buses/coaches and mini buses travelling to these games will be undertaken at numerous locations prior to the event. • To drink alcohol or be in possession of an open container which contains alcohol in a public place • To use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or who displays written material likely to stir up racial or sectarian hatred is guilty of an offence.