Sarajevo tie is safe, say Hearts

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS today moved to ease supporters’ fears over the UEFA Cup showdown with NK Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo, the club reassuring fans: "We don’t envisage any safety problems."

The Jambos head to Bosnia tomorrow for the first round, second leg showdown looking to secure their place in the next round after establishing a 2-0 advantage at Tynecastle last month.

However, security concerns about the tie have heightened after riot police had to use tear gas to quell crowd violence during the recent Sarajevo derby.

The trouble erupted during the clash between Sarajevo and Zeljeznicar at the Kosevo Olympic Stadium - the same ground where Steven Pressley will lead his men into action on Wednesday evening.

The referee was forced to halt proceedings after the disturbance following the award of a penalty to Zeljeznicar with 20 minutes remaining, Almir Gredic converting from the spot to put his side ahead.

The game, which was played in front of 21,000 supporters, was eventually allowed to re-start with the hosts snatching a dramatic late leveller through Skoro in the EIGHTH minute of stoppage time.

Up to 500 Hearts fans are expected to make the trip to Bosnia to see if Craig Levein’s side can successfully defend the advantage given to them in the first leg after goals from Mark de Vries and Andy Webster put the Gorgie outfit firmly in the driving seat to reach the next round.

Hearts security chief Tom Purdie insisted today that the club will take all measures possible to ensure the safe passage of the supporters in Sarajevo.

Moving to ease concerns of those making the journey to the Balkans, Purdie is confident the fans have nothing to fear over a repeat of the worrying scenes which marred the recent derby match.

"Both sets of fans built up a good rapport before, during and after the first leg at Tynecastle recently," he said.

"They appeared to get on very well in Edinburgh and we are confident that will continue in Bosnia this week.

"The Sarajevo derby appears to have had a history of crowd trouble and without knowing the exact details of what happened over there, we are confident the Hearts supporters will receive a warm welcome.

"All the feedback we have received from Sarajevo suggests that the Zeljeznicar supporters can’t wait to have a great time with the Hearts fans after enjoying Edinburgh so much, and we’re sure the fans who make the journey will get on well with their hosts."

Taken from the Scotsman