Ayr United issue apology to fans after sniffer dog wades into home fans during live TV clash

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Ayr United have been forced to "apologise unreservedly" to their own supporters after sniffer dogs were deployed among fans during a live game on Friday night.

The tactic has sparked a furious backlash after the dog team waded into the home support shortly after kick-off during Friday night's televised clash with Partick Thistle.Club chiefs have been met with a storm of criticism over the incident, which they say came in response to concerns over the use of pyrotechnics within Somerset Park.

Footage emerged in the aftermath of Friday night's game showing dog handlers among the home support, with claims one young fan - a member of the club's own youth board - had been left on the ground during the stramash.Ayr bosses have tonight moved to explain the presence of the dog team and insisted their presence inside the stadium was at "no point permitted".A statement read: "Somerset Park has unfortunately seen the use of pyrotechnics at both home and away ends at a number of fixtures over the last 12-18 month period.

It is clear that this contravenes stadium regulations within all grounds in Scottish football and if the club is not seen to be doing its utmost to prevent the use of pyro then the risk of disciplinary action and sanctions increases significantly."On a weekly basis at Somerset, the stewarding team are made up of a combination of Club stewards and stewards from external companies in order to provide the required level of personnel to ensure the safety and security of everyone who attends the match.