An outraged grandfather has spoken of his indignation after he and his 11-year-old grandson were among the fans frisked on the way into the Dundee derby.
John McRae (76) has been going to matches at both Dens Road and Tannadice since 1946, but said it was the first time he had ever been subjected to a pat down on the way into a game.
Despite the security measures there were still five incidents involving smoke flares.
Mr McRae said: ”We were in the Jerry Kerr stand. There was quite a queue of 15 or 16 as everybody was being body-searched. To give the security man his due he asked my son if it was okay to search my grandson.”
Mr McRae’s son Cameron, the boy’s father, said he had no problem with the search.
He said: ”I’ve no issues with it to be perfectly honest. If it’s a security measure and stops people going in with smoke bombs, bottles and knives I agree with it.”
Fans around the stadium had expressed their frustration at being delayed on their way into the game by the security searches.
However, Mr McRae said he felt it had been more than an inconvenience.
He said: ”I submitted to the body search but I was indignant about it. It’s an infringement on your liberty. I think it’s a bit of a liberty searching children.
”It is bad enough to be frisked at all airports, but to be frisked to get into a football match is the last straw. We will be getting frisked to get in the cinema next.”
He added: ”It appeared that the body searches were not fully successful as an ignited flare was thrown on to the pitch prior to the teams coming on to the grass.”
Superintendent Jim Leslie said the presence of flares was a cause for concern and urged fans to come forward with any information that would help catch the culprits.
He said: ”Flares have largely been absent from the Scottish game until recently, and their appearance does cause a concern.
”These burn at extremely high temperatures, and cause danger to staff who have to remove them, and also to other spectators.
”The people who lit these were reckless in the extreme, and I would certainly criticise these stupid acts.
”I would appeal to any other fan who has information in respect of those responsible to pass it to the police in order that action can be taken.”
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police added it was standard practice to search people on the way into football matches.
She said: ”Tayside Police, in conjunction with respective football clubs, consider all aspects of safety when policing a football match.
”As part of that process discussions are held with the relevant clubs and stewards to identify any potential concerns or issues that may arise.
”It is standard practice for persons to be searched by stewards prior to entering the grounds, and police will provide support where necessary.
”The clubs reserve the right to refuse entry to anybody who chooses not to be searched. Despite this search regime, it is disappointing that five smoke flares were set off within the ground with the corresponding risk to players, staff and spectators.”