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Old Firm ban threat for smoking fans
 

by John McCann

RANGERS have warned fans they could face indefinite bans if they are caught smoking at Ibrox.

And Celtic too have pledged to get tough with persistent smokers.

More than 100 fans have been kicked out for smoking at Ibrox in the last year.

And today, on No Smoking Day, the clubs have vowed to step up the fight.

Since the implementation of the smoking ban almost a year ago, both Rangers and Celtic have had to deal with a number of fans repeatedly lighting up in the stadium toilets at half-time.

Laurence Macintyre, Head of Safety at Rangers, said: "Whilst the club has tried to be as understanding as possible with smokers in the transition between a smoking' and no smoking' stadium, more than 100 fans have been ejected from matches over the last year at half-time.

"This may need to be followed up by the suspension of season tickets and indefinite bans if smokers persist in defying the legislation.

"The club has a duty to provide a smoke-free environment for other fans worried about the effects of tobacco smoke on their health."

Ronnie Hawthorn, Head of Safety, Security and Stadium Operations at Celtic, said: "Celtic FC is fully committed to supporting No Smoking Day and all other initiatives which promote a healthy lifestyle.

"Clearly, following recent legislation it is the duty of Celtic FC to ensure that Celtic Park is a smoke-free area and this is something which we will continue to enforce strongly.

"We thank our fans for their support in this regard and we will continue to work in close partnership with the health authorities and Environmental Protection Services to promote a strong anti-smoking message."

Publication date 14/03/07

Posted by: Stevie, Lincoln on 11:25am Wed 14 Mar 07
I went in to the toilets in The Lions Stand on sunday at half time and could barely get a breath for all the smoke then two stewards walked through without a word.Usual bluster from Hawthorn
Posted by: The Big Shift, Anniesland on 1:47pm Wed 14 Mar 07
I thought the whole point of the ban was in enclosed spaces. At both football grounds there is ample room to smoke in areas where there is no cover. Why can't we be accommodated? It seems to have less to do with public health and more of a stop people smoking although it is a perfectly legal pastime.
Posted by: Auntie Smoker, Glasgow on 2:11pm Wed 14 Mar 07
It's NOT legal in enclosed public places...Why do folk think the law is suspended for football matches ??

I hope all those lighting up at matches get throw out and banned...Then they will realise this is not just hot air from anyone...

The sooner ye realise we won't tolerate yer smoke the better...

Posted by: The Big Shift, Anniesland on 3:05pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Auntie Smoker wrote:
It\'s NOT legal in enclosed public places...Why do folk think the law is suspended for football matches ?? I hope all those lighting up at matches get throw out and banned...Then they will realise this is not just hot air from anyone... The sooner ye realise we won\'t tolerate yer smoke the better...
There are ample places within the stadium confimes which are not enclosed. The test is, if you look directly up and see the sky...then you're not enclosed.
Posted by: The Big Shift, Anniesland on 3:11pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Stevie wrote:
I went in to the toilets in The Lions Stand on sunday at half time and could barely get a breath for all the smoke then two stewards walked through without a word.Usual bluster from Hawthorn
I think it is better than the usual smell in toilets.
Posted by: Mata Harry on 8:16pm Wed 14 Mar 07
I smoke Maddog's boaby every night on notthebeeb
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