DAFC Statement on Standing at East End Park

Standing is not permitted at East End Park

Dunfermline Athletic Football Club would like to make the following statement in regards to the continued standing in some sections of East End Park.

We would like to remind supporters that East End Park is an all seated stadium as per Clydesdale Bank Premier League regulations, and that standing is not permitted in any sections of the stadium as per point 13 in the Club's Stadium Rules and Regulations.

Stadium Manager and Safety Officer for DAFC, Kenny Arnott explained:-

 "Our Ground Regulations which are displayed throughout the stadium and on our website clearly state that fans are forbidden to stand within our Stadium.  All matches played at East End Park must be done so in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Football League and where applicable the Regulations of FIFA / UEFA Competitions."

"We must enforce these Rules and Regulations, as well as our stadium rules, or we can face a fine of up to £15,000 and / or having to close sections of East End Park as per Rule H7.7 in the SPL Rules and Regulations.

"Continued standing at East End Park not only puts us at risk of sanctions from the SPL and SFA, but also from Fife Council who provide our Safety Certificate."

Given the continued standing at East End Park, DAFC are incurring increased costs of stewards and police officers at our games.

One of Fife Police's and the Club's aims for this season is to have 'non-policed' games, which would see only a Match Commander and Inspector in attendance rather than an additional 12 constables, meaning a huge saving for DAFC.

DAFC Chief Executive Bill Hodgins, commented "I am sure that any fan would rather we invest the amount of money required to police and steward the games, in the playing squad and youth development.

"We have now had a number of complaints from our Season Ticket Holders about not being able to see because of the fans who continue to stand and it is spoiling their game. Where we can identify persistent offenders they will not be admitted into the ground.

"Given the problems that the Police encountered at the recent games with fans refusing to sit within our North West Stand there is now a real possibility that the club will face even further increased costs per game in regards to increased Stewarding and Policing - which is frustrating given that our Stadium Manager has been working hard to reduce these costs over the previous three seasons."