Football site death threats probe

Falkirk's Westfield stadium is only half complete, with plans for a third stand

A football supporters' website is being investigated by police after councillors in Falkirk received death threats.

The intimidation follows criticism of the council over the future of Falkirk Football Club's Westfield stadium, which is only half complete.

Falkirk Council has a financial stake in the stadium.

The One F In Falkirk site also called for fans to chant "scum" at councillors attending football matches.

The most offensive postings, which called for councillors to be shot and stabbed, have now been removed.

The forum, which has no affiliation with Falkirk Football Club, also features calls for fans to boycott council members' businesses over the issue.

Although construction on the stadium began in 2003, only two stands have been completed.

Some of my colleagues have been interviewed by police about these threats and given personal protection advice Cllr Malcolm Nicol

Financial concerns and planning issues associated with the stadium's proximity to the Grangemouth oil refinery have resulted in delays to the completion of the project.

In response to the threats, Supt Robbie McGregor, Falkirk's area commander at Central Scotland Police, said: "We have received complaints regarding the content of a website which we are investigating.

"As it is subject to an ongoing police inquiry it would be inappropriate to comment further."

In January, the local authority did give the green light for a third stand to be built, which will seat about 2,000 fans, thanks to a £2m pledge from Schuh founder and Falkirk supporter Sandy Alexander.

Councillor Malcolm Nicol, who is among those targeted by the site, said he could not afford to be complacent about the threats.

He said: "Falkirk Football Club is a private company. There's got to be a limit on the assistance that it receives from the public purse.

"I think people understand this but there seems to be minority who don't.

"These remarks have been written by a few hotheads but when people put death threats onto a website you have to be careful that it doesn't reach the wrong person.

"Some of my colleagues have been interviewed by police about these threats and given personal protection advice."

The Westfield stadium and its surrounding 42 acres is owned and managed by the Falkirk Community Stadium Ltd, a joint venture company involving Falkirk Football Club and Falkirk Council.