COPS have been handed extra powers ahead of this weekend’s powderkeg Edinburgh derby.
Hibs and Hearts go head to head in the capital city on Sunday afternoon.
Easter Road will host Hibs vs Hearts this weekend[/caption]
The match will kick off at 12.30pm and with both teams in top form going into the game, it’s expected to be a fiery encounter.
Easter Road will play host to the fixture and in response to unsavoury incidents between fans of both clubs in recent months, Police Scotland officers have been granted special powers to clamp down on potential violence.
Trouble spilled into the ground during the derby match back in October as Jambos fans fought amongst THEMSELVES at Easter Road.
A similar clamp down was put in place in response to the grim scenes that preceded the Premier Sports Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden in December, where punters ran amock on the streets of Glasgow.
Cops will be authorised to use special stop-and-search powers on the streets of Edinburgh, either in vehicles or on foot.
The Section 60 order will be in force in various areas across the city centre and extending out to Leith, where the game is being held.
It will be in place from 10.30am until 4.30pm on the day of the game.
Police Scotland say the extra powers will be used “responsibly and when justified” in order to “help prevent disorder and serious violence”.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “Over the past few months, we have responded to several incidents of disorder and violence linked to football events in Edinburgh.
“Attacks on police officers, possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, and attempts to evade justice by concealing their identity will not be tolerated.
“Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety.
“This type of behaviour impacts the local community and the vast majority of football fans who simply want to enjoy these events safely.”
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