Heightened security at World Cup stadium hosting key Scotland match 

The FBI and local police will establish tight security zones around the Miami stadium where Scotland will play a key World Cup match.

The news comes after thousands of ticketless fans tried to rush the turnstiles at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium at the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

Dozens of people were injured and the game had to be delayed. Some fans also left the stadium early because they feared for their safety.

Scotland face Brazil there in their final World Cup group game on June 24.

Ahead of the World Cup tournament being hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, FBI deputy director Andrew Bailey kept details of match security arrangements close to his chest. He said: “If you don’t have a ticket, don’t go near the stadium.

“The law enforcement professionals that stand with us in partnership with their federal colleagues have the experience and the intelligence necessary and the manpower and equipment necessary, to mitigate those risks.

“Security zones will be in place and I would again urge fans without tickets not to travel to the match venue. Go to designated fan zones instead.

“I can confidently say that the work being done to ensure the safety and security of this event is very strong for the World Cup.”

Read more: FBI warns Scotland fans without tickets to avoid World Cup stadium | Glasgow Times

The World Cup matches will be held between June 11 and July 19.

The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by 82 minutes when fans without tickets broke through security barriers in order to get into the venue. Stadium staff locked it down to regain control. 

However, some fans were in danger of getting crushed against the gates outside the stadium, so the venue was reopened, allowing people to enter whether they had tickets or not. 

When the stadium reached capacity, the stadium gates were closed again, preventing some people with tickets from entering.

Miami-Dade Police sad that there were 27 arrests and 55 ejections, while Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to 120 incidents at the stadium, 116 of which were medical.

The Protect Alliance’s Jodie Read said: “This again highlights the paramount importance of venue security for public safety. Here in the UK, we’ve experienced tragedies at sports stadiums that have changed the law and sparked public safety campaigns, including the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 that claimed 97 lives and the Bradford City fire of 1985 that claimed 56 lives.

“Now, of course, we’re also in the implementation period for Martyn’s Law which focuses on the threat from terrorism to venues including sports stadiums and arenas.

“So, it’s never been more vital for event organisers, venue managers, and security personnel to work together to meet their legal duties to the public.

“It’s encouraging to hear that lessons from 2024 are being learned in Miami and we wish all UK football fans travelling to matches a happy and safe World Cup.”