The treatment of a schoolboy Motherwell fan by stewards and police has drawn comparisons with the death of Sheku Bayoh.
The 15-year-old was forcibly removed from a stand housing visiting fans during the St Mirren v Motherwell match last weekend by stewards and police, after a pyrotechnic was allegedly thrown from the crowd.
His treatment has met with condemnation from football supporters, as well as human rights solicitor, Aamer Anwar.
Shocking video footage of the incident which appeared online shows several stewards and a police officer involved with the youngster being forced to the ground face down and then being knelt on. The stewards appear to be kneeling on his back, arms and possibly the back of his neck.
The lawyer shared a link to the footage on Twitter and commented: “Have @PoliceScotland learned nothing in 7 years since the death in police custody of #ShekuBayoh? 15yr old kneeled on, held face down. Positional asphyxia occurs when placed in a posture preventing or impeding the mechanism of normal breathing- death can occur rapidly.”
The renowned human rights and criminal defence lawyer represents the family of Sheku Bayoh, who died after being restrained by police officers in Kircaldy back in 2015.
Gillian Mackay MSP for Central Scotland, whose office is in Motherwell, was also shocked by the footage said: “Following a number of emails from constituents, and after seeing images and videos online, I have become aware that a 15-year-old supporter of Motherwell FC was forcibly removed from the stands to trackside by members of the St Mirren stewarding deployment, assisted by officers from Police Scotland.
“Once trackside the videos show that the supporter was forced to the ground and restrained face down.
“I have written to the SPFL and clubs involved to ensure that this incident is dealt with and we will not see the likes again.”
A spokesperson for St Mirren Football Club said: “We are aware of an incident at our game against Motherwell FC on Sunday. Licensed security within our club is provided by an external partner and we are liaising with Police Scotland to support any ongoing investigations.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old male was arrested and charged in relation to the alleged throwing of a pyrotechnic at the St Mirren v Motherwell game.
“Debriefs take place after all football matches where police support is provided and the initial debrief for this game, carried out between Police Scotland and the St Mirren security team, has included the circumstance surrounding this arrest.
“A further meeting will take place to ensure any learning is taken on board by everyone involved.
“No complaints have been received about the policing of this match.”
Motherwell FC were also approached for comment.
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