Ross County chiefs issue warning to fans ahead of Highland derby in wake of vandalism charges
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ROSS County fans charged with causing damage to seats in Highland rivals' Inverness Caledonian Thistle's stadium have been warned by the Dingwall club not to travel to Tuesday night's derby clash.
The warning follows a statement from police confirming that five teenagers have been charged in connection with alleged vandalism of seats within the South Stand of the Inverness Caledonian Stadium.
Police Scotland said: "This follows enquiries into disorder at the Irn Bru Challenge Cup final on Saturday, March 23. One male aged 15, two aged 16 and two aged 18-years-old will be the subject of a report to the Children's Reporter and Procurator Fiscal as appropriate. Enquiries will continue to trace others who have been identified as part of the post-match investigation."
A statement issued later by Ross County FC said the club would continue to work with its Inverness counterpart "to identify those involved in vandalism at Inverness Caledonian Stadium during the Irn Bru Cup final".
The statement continued: "A number of Ross County fans have been identified and those involved who will know who they are should not travel to our away fixture tomorrow night in Inverness as they are not welcome and will be refused admission. As time goes on the club will formally ban those involved. We hope tomorrow night's game will be all about a high profile and important Championship fixture which is very important for both clubs."
Last week, the clubs took the unusual step of issuing a joint statement regarding problems encountered at both stadia.
Representatives of Ross County and ICTFC met on Thursday at the Inverness Caledonian Stadium to review ways to tackle inappropriate behaviour at Highland derby matches.
Part of this was to review images and videos of fans behaviour at the recent Irn-Bru Cup Final which was hosted by ICTFC and played between Ross County and Connah's Quay Nomads.
The statement said: "Clear video images of fans deliberately breaking seats were viewed and the perpetrators are being identified. Although the images viewed were of Ross County fans, ICTFC acknowledge that their fans have also been guilty of similar offences at matches in Dingwall this season."
The statement continued: "The clubs have had enough of this behaviour and have agreed to work together to highlight and eradicate this unacceptable behaviour from both grounds. Supporters from either club identified will be dealt with and can expect to be banned as a minimum.
"In excess of 150 seats have been damaged in Highland derby matches and the Irn-Bru Cup Final this season and this is a cost and drain on resources that neither club are prepared to accept any longer.
"Highland derby fixtures have always been known as the Friendly Derby and this behaviour from a small group of so called supporters from each club has tarnished what have been fantastic games of football this season. Both RCFC and ICTFC are proud of the reputation they have developed in Scottish football over many years and the community ethos and match day experience is at the centre of their approach. As both clubs have worked hard and have earned a deserved positive profile in Scottish football neither is prepared to be undermined by a small minority of trouble makers who simply will not be tolerated."
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