17 Jun 2009SPL clubs could have to pay extra for matchday policing

Football Clubs News | Football Technology and Stadia

Clubs such as Rangers and Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League may have to hire their own security firms to police at their home games, it has been stated.

Stephen House, the chief executive of Strathclyde Police, is expected to announce plans that would shift responsibility for the maintenance of safety at football grounds.

This could mean that clubs that fall in Strathclyde Police territory, which also includes St Mirren and Kilmarnock, may have to stump up extra cash for policing or consider bringing in private companies to do the job.

Speaking to the Sunday Mail, House said: "We have recommended overall responsibility for safety is transferred to its rightful owner - the management of the stadium."

Meanwhile, Sir John Orr, honorary president of the Football Safety Officers Association in Scotland, added that discussions have taken place for many years on who should pay to have police deployed at grounds.

But he explained that "the safety of everyone at football matches is paramount" and should remain top priority.

The news that clubs could have to pay out more money comes shortly after football broadcaster Setanta defaulted on a £3 million payment to the Scottish Premier League.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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