CELTIC FANS IN JAMBOS PROTEST TO MCCONNELL

CELTIC fans have urged First Minister Jack McConnell to protect them from attacks by Hearts thugs at Tynecastle on Sunday.

The Celtic Supporters' Association revealed their extraordinary request yesterday as they expressed fears for their own safety at Sunday's SPL clash.

A Press release from the group also revealed they have sought urgent talks with Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell and the club's security chief Ronnie Hawthorn to express their concerns over what they regard to be a potential powderkeg clash.

The unprecedented move comes as Celtic fans prepare to share a stand with their rivals for the first time since the Edinburgh club's decision to slash ticket allocations for away supporters.

And the statement said: "The CSA have serious concerns for the safety and security of all our supporters travelling to Tynecastle this weekend. Games at Tynecastle in the past few years have shown a potential for violence with particular flashpoints immediately outside the main stand and at the railway bridge en route to the bus park.

"The executive committee of the CSA have had talks with Peter Lawwell and Ronnie Hawthorn and highlighted all recent incidents.

"Hearts insist on accommodating home and away supporters in the same stand. We believe this to be a foolhardy decision and places our supporters at risk.

"Such was our concern we contacted the FirstMinister's office at Holyrood asking Mr McConnell to intervene directly, however Mr McConnell believes this is a matter entirely for Hearts and the Edinburgh police. "

The CSA's statement was met with an angry reaction from Hearts.

A spokesman said: "The police and clubs are confident all the necessary safety measures have been addressed. These have been in use for the recent match against Rangers which have passed without any major incidents.

"We see no reason why Sunday should be any different and we'd have to question why anyone would suggest this weekend's game should be so."

Last night Celtic also issued a statement, saying: "We believe all parties are satisfied with the arrangements for Sunday's game."

Taken from the Daily Record