"The unnecessy searching of all our supporters continues at St Mirren on Saturday"

[Joe O'Rourke]

[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]I attended a meeting yesterday at New St Mirren Park to discuss the issue of searches and safety concerns with regard to our visit there on Saturday; representatives of the Celtic Trust were also in attendance.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]St Mirren was represented by their General Manager Brian Caldwell and their Safety Officer Findlay Mc Auley.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]Our first concern was the lack of turnstiles at the North Stand which holds 1,600 Celtic Supporters; access is through 4 turnstiles in 2 entry doors very close together at the west corner of the sand; we believe that is not enough; but unfortunately that is the way the stadium was built; so we will have to live with that.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]We did ask for the official flow rate through these turnstiles; unfortunately that information was not available; but the simple arithmetic tells us that approximately 400 supporters go through each turnstile.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]I have complained to St Mirren after every match we have played at New St Mirren Park regarding the searching of all Celtic supporters regardless of age or gender; which I believe is extreme and completely unnecessary.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]The response we got from St Mirren was that Celtic fall into the high risk category when it comes to making these decisions at the pre-match meeting; and they say that is based on the evidence of previous matches; and not only against St Mirren.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]Their most serious area of concerns was flares and smoke canisters; which can cause serious health problems if let off; particularly in an enclosed area of a football stadium. I have to say that I would agree with that comment; I believe they are particularly dangerous to anyone with breathing problems; especially under a low roof; and I would discourage anyone from taking them into a stadium.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]My real concerns here are that to my knowledge there have been no flares let off by the Celtic fans in Scotland since the Cup Final against Motherwell in May; so if that is the main reason for the total search; how long can they hold the previous use of flares against us?[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]I intend to contact “K Division” of Strathclyde Police to discuss their involvement in the decision for the searches; and also Renfrew district Council for their input; not forgetting Ronnie Hawthorn at Celtic.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]If you are going to the match on Saturday please allow extra time to gain entry to the stadium. As for the searching of our supporters; you have the right to see any stewards Security Industry Authority (SIA) credentials before you allow them to search you.[COLOR=#000000:79dd864d]I would hope that this is the last time we will have to go through this infuriating and provocative process.

[tyrebhoy]

Joe,
I have been searched twice at this ground, once by a woman steward on both occasions I spoke out as it was against my human rites, this 1 polis bully boy, gave a load of crap then followed us to where we were standing looking up we had the impression he was goading our fans,we had 1 fan arrested for saying dirty orange b-----d, cast ur mind back to last season when a young player of St. Mirren called us fenian b-----ds, it later transpired I got a call not to press charges, I later heard they would not go ahead with charges as this would harm his career, funny when 1 of our young fan playing else where hits headlines, another thing 2 gents of Asian appearance kick to death Irishman, all go;es quite,
not that am racist but if shoe was other foot all hell would have broken out lets get things equall

[joanie 7]

Joe I could be wrong but I do not remember any flares at the Cup Final. I do remember there were some at the semi vs Aberdeen whose supporters also had some.
However I do agree that flares and the like are dangerous and should not be taken into grounds.

[Joe O'Rourke]

You know Joanie i think your right, there was a fracas with the cops. I must be getting too old for this.