FOOTBALL fans in the Capital who refuse to stub out their cigarettes face being kicked out the stadium.

City rivals Hearts and Hibs are joining forces by banning smoking in their grounds when the ban on lighting-up in enclosed public places comes into force later this month.

The clubs say a complete ban is in the best interests of all supporters even though the legislation does not cover football grounds.

Smoking is already banned in the seated areas of Tynecastle, yet some fans can still be seen lighting up during matches.

A Hearts spokeswoman today insisted those who persist in smoking in the ground after March 26 would be evicted from Tynecastle.

She said: "They would be asked to extinguish their cigarette. If they continued to smoke they would be asked to leave."

The same policy will be adopted by Hibs at Easter Road. Club secretary Garry O'Hagan said: "The Scottish Parliament has passed this new legislation to protect the people in Scotland from the harmful effects of passive smoking.

"As of 26th March, Easter Road Stadium will be smoke-free with the introduction of a complete ban on smoking.

"This no-smoking restriction covers all supporter areas including, but not restricted to, seating decks, concourses, toilets, function suites, etc."

Edinburgh's environment leader Councillor Bob Cairns today welcomed the move.

He said: "The City Council has carried out a programme of visits over the last few months to businesses which will be covered by the new legislation.

"The aim is to ensure that these businesses are fully informed of the implications of the smoking ban legislation and also well prepared for its introduction.

"Environmental health professionals from the council have visited 1,150 businesses in the city, which means we have had contact with approximately 15,000 staff.

"Both Hibs and Hearts have been visited as part of the programme and we greatly appreciate the support and co-operation shown by the clubs in implementing this legislation."

Trevor Hannant, editor of the popular fans' website Hibs.net, welcomed the clubs' decision.

He said: "I think it is obviously going to please some people but annoy others.

"Personally, I would be quite happy as I am not a smoker. If I am standing somewhere the last thing I want is smoke blowing in my face, so I am quite happy with the decision.

"There will be people who are unhappy about this. They will want to have their half-time cigarette but the majority of fans are not smokers and while smokers have rights, so do people who do not smoke."

He added: "If they are serious about campaigns to get people healthier and fitter then perhaps it is the right move to make."

The Executive's ban does not cover football grounds because they are not deemed to be enclosed public spaces. A smoking ban is already in force during most sporting events at Murrayfield.

Taken from the Scotsman