BOSSES at Musselburgh Athletic Football Club have urged youths who are using the ground as a drinking den to stay out of private property.

The pitch at Olive Bank was left with scorch marks from fireworks after being used for recent revelry.

Chairman Charlie McGlynn said club representatives found “loads of used fireworks”, as well as vodka, Buckfast and wine bottles. The pitch was also strewn with empty cigarette packets.

“It was a mess,” said Mr McGlynn.

He said that different areas of the pitch were affected by scorch marks where fireworks had been set off.

But Mr McGlynn stressed that youth problems at Olive Bank were a “regular occurrence” at weekends, and incidents had been reported to police in the past.

He believed young people aged 15 and 16 were involved, adding: “They break down the fence and drink, and carry on.”

Mr McGynn urged them not to enter the football ground and cause damage as it was private property.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “One of the community officers has contacted Musselburgh Athletic and we are looking into the issues there. They’ve been asked to report all incidents.”