News in 2006

05th July 2006

Bigots face 10-year football match bans

Bigots and thugs could be banned from football games in Scotland for up to 10 years from early next season.

Banning orders, which can prevent troublemakers from attending SPL, SFL or Scotland matches, come into force in September, it was confirmed today.

Under the new powers, fans convicted of shouting sectarian or racist abuse in Scotland may find themselves banned from every UK stadium.

Chief constables will be able to apply to courts to ban individuals convicted of football-related offences - anywhere in Scotland - from all matches.

The courts will also have the power to stop known offenders from travelling to see their club's European games.

The tough guidelines become law on September 1, five weeks after the first SPL fixtures of the new season on July 29.

More than 3500 fans have been banned since the orders were introduced in England and Wales six years ago.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "Football banning orders are another important tool in tackling football disorder, including sectarian offences.

"We hope the small minority of supporters who cause trouble will think about the implication of their actions before they become involved in disorder at football matches."

Police chiefs have launched a recruitment drive to find a manager to run a database of offenders, to be accessed by the country's eight forces.

A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "Those who use football as an excuse to indulge in violence, or commit racist and sectarian offences at games, can expect to be banned from football matches for up to 10 years."

A spokesman for Nil by Mouth said: "We support banning orders in principle ... they have been hugely effective in combating disorder at the World Cup."

Source: The Evening Times