Football club criticised for letting smokers light up

By Scotsman
Fri 21 Apr 2006

A SCOTTISH football club has been attacked for letting its supporters light up on the touchline during a match in a bid to get round the smoking ban.

Second division Raith Rovers allowed about 50 supporters to leave the main stand at Starks Park and smoke next to the pitch at half time during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Morton.

The club did not break the new anti-smoking law, which bans people from smoking in the stand, as the track around the pitch is officially designated as an open space and therefore not included in the legislation.

But last night the Kirkcaldy club was accused of breaking the spirit of the new ban. Kenny Riddoch, the environmental services team leader of Fife Council, urged the club to consider a complete ban on smoking within all areas of the football ground.

He said football clubs should be setting an example by doing everything they can to encourage young fans to give up.

Eric Drysdale, the director of Raith, refused to comment on whether the club will impose a complete ban on smoking.

But he said Saturday's measure was a temporary solution to the smoking issue.

He said: "Ninety minutes is a long time to go without a fag, especially the way we have been playing this season."