Dundee FC fans chief George Harris says he doesn’t expect any trouble from the club’s “exemplary” supporters when they travel to Hamilton for Saturday’s “massive” game against the league leaders.
Mr Harris, chairman of the Dundee Supporters’ Association, said he expected nothing less than good behaviour from the 2,000 fans due to visit New Douglas Park for the crucial top-of-the-table clash.
The clubs, the fans’ group and the police are all hoping supporters will be on their best behaviour after crowd trouble marred the previous visit by Dundee, who ended up winning 3-0 in November.
Bad blood between rival fans led to that game being temporarily stopped and after the game a group of home fans then allegedly attacked a Dundee supporters’ bus in a coach parking area near the ground.
Four Hamilton fans and one Dundee supporter were arrested following the violence.
However, Mr Harris said he expects fans to behave this weekend.
He said: “There’s going to be at least 2,000 fans going down and we pride ourselves on good behaviour.
“Dundee fans are exemplary. We have been in numerous meetings with match commanders and they have always said our fans are a step above.
“This is a massive game and, although the football is important, I’m very confident the fans will be on their usual exemplary best behaviour. They are a great crowd.”
Jim Thomson, Dundee FC’s general manager, said: “We are not expecting any issues, but, as always with these fixtures, we have been planning in advance.
“Tickets went on sale on Friday and we’ve already sold 1,500, so we’ll have a big support. There will be close cooperation between the clubs and police and, hopefully, everybody can enjoy themselves.”
Dundee, who lost 1-0 at home to Falkirk on Saturday, sit second in the Scottish Championship table ahead of the crunch meeting.
They are level on points and goal difference with fellow title contenders Hamilton, who top the table by virtue of more goals scored.
A spokesman for Hamilton Accies said: “All of our normal preparations will be in place. We are prepared for any issues.”