Motherwell FC pass CCTV footage to police after supporters attacked by 'men wearing balaclavas'

Motherwell FC have passed CCTV footage to police after the club’s fans were allegedly attacked as they left a Scottish Women’s Premier League match against Hamilton Academical on Saturday.

An eyewitness told STV News that supporters – including women and children – were targeted as they left Fir Park by a group of men who were dressed in black and wearing masks and balaclavas.

The eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “As I was heading towards the exit gate I noticed a group of men had gathered by a high brick wall.

“There were a lot of women, children and girls leaving the stadium when the group approached. They targeted three young lads.

“I turned and ran and when I got around the corner I told a steward about what was happening. When I went back the group was already on the run and there were people in cars with the engines running waiting for them.

“One young lad was holding his face and there were women and children in tears – some of them were attending a football match for the first time.

“I have never seen anything like it before in my life and certainly not at a women’s match.”

Alan Burrows, the Lanarkshire club’s chairman, confirmed that Police Scotland are investigating the incident, which marred the women’s side return to Fir Park for the first time in more than three years.

He said: “This is now a Police matter. Suffice to say, we had more than adequate stewarding for the crowd and the game itself – with almost 700 fans – passed off in a fantastic spirit both on and off the park. What happened afterwards, which we have caught on.

“CCTV, was absolutely disgraceful, but clearly extremely difficult for us to predict. We are working with all the appropriate authorities, with the evidence we have, to try and identify the culprits and bring them to justice.

“It was an almost 700 strong crowd made up with lots of women, children and families. It’s hard to believe what happened, but we’ll now work with the police to try and identify culprits.”

Police are now assessing CCTV footage showing the disorder and working with Motherwell to establish the exact circumstances.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following reports of disorder around Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell around 5pm on Saturday, 19 April, police have now received CCTV footage from Motherwell Football Club.

“Officers will review this footage and liaise with the club to establish the full circumstances.”