MSP to contact SPFL and Police Scotland over arrest of teenage Motherwell fan at St Mirren game

An MSP has contacted the footballing authorities and Police Scotland over the arrest of a teenage fan during the St Mirren vs Motherwell game on Sunday.

The 15-year-old was detained after a firework was allegedly thrown towards the pitch from the section housing away fans during the Premiership fixture in Paisley.

A video of the incident was later posted online leading to concerns about how the issue was policed by officers in attendance and matchday stewards.

Gillian MacKay, a Green Party MSP for Central Scotland, says she will be in touch with both teams as well as SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster and the police force in regards to the incident following concerns from constituents.

She tweeted: “In response to emails from constituents, and after seeing footage online, I will be contacting Neil Doncaster, St Mirren, Motherwell and Police Scotland to raise concerns about safety and the force used by stewards in relation to incidents at Sunday’s fixture.”

Following the game the force said that the “vast majority of fans” in Paisley had behaved well during their sides’ first league match of the season, which Motherwell won 1-0.

A spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old male was arrested in connection with throwing a pyrotechnic during the St Mirren v Motherwell football fixture on Sunday, July 31.

“We work closely with both clubs during the planning process and on match days to address this kind of behaviour.

“We would like to thank the vast majority of fans for their conduct, they were a credit to themselves and their club.”

The teenager has been reported to the children’s reporter.