SAFETY chiefs have ordered Kilmarnock Football Club to address a number of issues with their stadium after chaotic scenes plagued their opening league match against Rangers.
Visiting supporters broke the roof on a disabled shelter after jumping on it when the Ibrox side scored a last minute goal to win the game 2-1 on Sunday.
And some Rangers fans were caught in a crush going into Rugby Park as turnstiles were unable to cope meaning they missed the start of the match.
Today officers from East Ayrshire Council visited the ground and ordered the club to address problems as a “matter of urgency”.
Stuart McCall, a legal manager for the council said: “Together with colleagues from our Building Standards and Planning Service, we visited Rugby Park first thing this morning and met with Kilmarnock Football Club Safety Officer Bob Pitt.
“During the course of the meeting we identified a number of issues which will need to be addressed as a matter of urgency, and we will work with the Club and all relevant partner agencies in the coming days to ensure compliance with the specific terms of the Safety Certificate.
“We will issue further updates as more details become available.”
It’s not the first time the local council has raised concerns about Rugby Park.
Documents obtained by the Record through a Freedom of Information request show East Ayrshire Council officials raised concerns about the safety of the disabled shelter last year which led to repair work being completed on August 10.
A safety report said: “Disabled spectators area requires repairs to the roof and guttering.”
And issues were also raised with a “repair door to turnstile number 1” although it is unclear if this was the affected turnstile yesterday.
Asked about Sunday’s incidents, a Kilmarnock FC spokesman said: “We are going to speak to all relevant parties about what happened at the game yesterday.”
The SPFL said they will be working with both clubs to investigate the incidents at the game.
A spokesman for the SPFL told Radio Clyde: “The scenes at the end of the game at Rugby Park were simply unacceptable.
“The passion and energy of Scottish fans is a huge asset to the game, but nobody wants to see them invading the pitch – their place is in the stands.
“We will be working with Police Scotland and both clubs to investigate the incidents at the game, including turnstile and ticketing arrangements and will be studying CCTV footage to see what additional actions are required.”
