Hampden smoking ban 'a success'

Hampden bosses said the first game since the ban was successful

Management at Scotland's national football stadium have hailed its new smoking ban policy as a success.

Wednesday's CIS Cup tie between Celtic and Motherwell was the first game at Hampden using its policy ahead of the nationwide ban on 26 March.

Hampden's managing director David Kells said bosses had not deluded themselves that it would be universally observed.

But he said those smokers who did light up during the game had put out their cigarettes when asked to by stewards.

The CIS Cup semi-final tie was the first of three games scheduled to be played at Hampden ahead of the nationwide ban.

Fans of both clubs going to the game said they were in favour of the move, but some said they did not know whether it would make a significant difference.

Views on Hampden smoking ban At-a-glance

Mr Kells said the games offered the opportunity to resolve any issues surrounding the ban.

Speaking after Wednesday's game, he said: "The first game since we brought in our smoking ban was a success.

"There was a general acceptance of the policy, although some smokers lit cigarettes and were asked by the stewards to put them out.

"It highlighted our stance on no smoking in the stadium and the stewards did a great job.

"No one was ejected from the stadium for smoking."

Mr Kells said he was looking forward to the next game, Scotland's international friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday 1 March, to identify and tackle any further problems.