Arbroath Football Club has teamed up with Angus anti-litter crusaders to save the planet and show litterbugs the red card.
The club occupies one of the most coastal stadiums in Scotland and the marine environment is being placed at risk from littering on the terraces.
Arbroath became involved with Angus Clean Environments earlier this year to explore ways in which they could reduce their environmental impact and “help change the littering culture” within its Gayfield stadium.
A major new initiative has now been launched which has seen the club offer free tickets to fans who are willing to take on the role of “litter champions” to ensure the ground is kept litter free.
Wendy Murray from ACE said the Arbroath drive should now become the norm at other grounds across Scotland.
“Angus Clean Environments are both proud and pleased that Arbroath Football Club are leading the way in their ant-littering campaign.
“Most people want to do the right thing with their litter at public venues and realise that it is neither acceptable or desirable to leave it behind.
“We now call on the Scottish Football Association to support other clubs to consider a litter strategy and follow where Arbroath have led.”
Littering in sports stadia and other public arenas is a significant problem across Scotland where it has become the norm to leave waste under seats and on terraces to be cleaned up by others.
Arbroath said it risks litter escaping into the marine environment where more than 80% of litter originates from land.
Lichties striker Bobby Linn said: “It’s great to see the club doing its bit for the environment.
“The players already thought our fans were great but this supporter-led project shows how amazing our supporters really are.
“At Saturday’s game against Alloa Athletic fans on all sides responded very positively and welcomed the opportunity to do the right thing with their litter.”
Club director Brian Cargill said the innovative litter picking project shows the club’s commitment to helping improve the environment and also strengthens its links with the local community.
“The terracing was completely cleared of litter after the match and this can only be good for the area around the football ground,” he said.
“We not only had a great win on the park on Saturday but also a great result off the park as well.
“We hope that more of our supporters sign up to be litter champions with Arbroath FC by contacting angusisace@gmail.com”
