CONCERNS have been raised by police about the safety of the new main stand at Hearts stadium Tynecastle Park.

The ground was re-opened for the Jambos’ league match against Partick Thistle on 19 November after passing a late inspection.

But Police Scotland have now written to Edinburgh City Council asking for the safety certificate to be re-examined after identifying several concerns.

Three matches have been held at the new-look Tynecastle, but the police superintendent responsible for events in Edinburgh has expressed worries about crowd safety and electrical systems.

In a letter sent to the council he said: “At present, I have concerns over the public safety of patrons attending football matches at Tynecastle Park."

Fears have been raised about movement that could lead to pitch invasions as well as electrical problems, with kick-offs to recent games against Thistle and Hamilton Accies facing delays.

“Given the incidents in the previous three matches I now have significant concerns over the reliability of electrical systems within Tynecastle Park,” the superintendent added.

"Electrical failings impact on public safety with evacuations and delayed kick-offs as evidenced in recent matches."

Hearts have four home games before the end of the month against Motherwell, Dundee, Celtic and Hibernian.

Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, told STV: "Police Scotland plays an active role in the safety advisory groups across Scotland, which have responsibility for event safety.

"I can confirm that Edinburgh Division has written to the City of Edinburgh Council in relation to spectator safety at a football ground.

"The safety of the public attending sporting events is paramount and there are robust processes in place by football clubs, the police and the local authority and other partners to ensure safety is our number one priority.

"We continue to work with all relevant partners to ensure that any future events are safe for the public to attend."