Posted By Tony abc jprhdnMurphy A football club has criticised police for confiscating champagne they were drinking to celebrate a title win. The bottles were produced at East Stirlingshire's Firs Park after East Fife moved to an unassailable 24-point lead in the Scottish Third Division. Directors were warned that having alcohol in glass containers was illegal in football grounds and they were told by the police to remove them. Officers later raided the dressing-room where players were celebrating.

Posted By Robert K Lewis Totally agree with police over directors They could view the playing area and were thus covered by the relevant statutory provisions - not the use of glass however, merely the possession of alcohol. The offence is to have alcohol and be able to view the playing area 2hours before and 2 hours after the match. The dressing rooms are a more moot point however and strictly they needed a warrant to enter the area. It seems, like some other directors, they believe the law does not apply to them until they are caught out. Bob

Posted By Sally I agree with the Police's actions. Rules is rules! What would happen if a fan then wanted to take a bottle of champagne along to the next match in case of a victory. Would that be allowed?

Posted By Robert K Lewis It does make you wonder though when you read the web report on BBC whether any of these people had their heads screwed on at all. I suppose strictly the legislation also applies to Grand Prix and other motor racing but the police seem not to be in evidence at these events. Bringing your own alcohol on the Team Bus and bringing it into the ground is also an offence however. Still do not know why the glass was brought up, probably trying to blame H&S for the decision perhaps - but it seems to have failed on this score exccept for a brief mention. It is bad form to spray the local policeman with champers though. Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis CFT If you play for Norwich you don't even know what day it is according to the sport pages today. Thought it was training day and just jumped into the car wearing only his boxers while still over the limit from the post match drinkies. All the fans pay their wages!!! Bob:-)

Posted By Robert K Lewis Peter Touche Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis The whole alcohol at sporting events is a minefield but the net result is the same as I posted earlier. Directors sometimes think they are not always subject to the law if they regard the circumstances as exceptional. Now where is the joiner to do that bit of welding on the pressure system? Only a pinhole after all. Bob