MESSAGE FROM JUSTICE MINISTER CATHY JAMIESON: TACKLING VIOLENCE AND SECTARIANISM AT FOOTBALL MATCHES IN SCOTLAND
I love football and can't remember a time when the new season wasn't eagerly anticipated in my household. Like millions of other football fans across Scotland my family keenly debates fixtures, transfers, injuries and the many other issues that concern and entertain us all. As passionate football fans we all want to see our clubs do well at home and abroad, and the national team qualifying for Euro 2008 would give us great cause for celebration.
But it's not just clubs and players that get discussed in my home. We also talk about the fans and the way their behaviour can make or break a club's reputation. Scottish fans have an excellent global reputation, but football hooliganism and sectarian bigotry continue to tarnish the hard-earned and well-deserved image Scotland has for friendliness.
Year after year we have seen fans who should be united by their love of sport becoming bitter enemies, abusing their club's history, traditions and good name as they attempt to excuse their own bile and bigotry. I've heard this excused as people being only "90 minute bigots" and abusive behaviour dismissed as "harmless banter". But bigotry is bigotry. It can't just be turned on and off, and abuse is certainly not harmless to those on the receiving end. There is no excuse for this type of behaviour and it will not be tolerated any more.
I've no intention of dampening the passion we all feel for our clubs. Far from it, as I want fans to enjoy the matches and take pride in their team's achievements. But I know that genuine football fans have had enough of their game being hijacked by bullies and thugs who only want to indulge in abusive tribal behaviour. It's time to weed out the yobs whose harassing and intimidating behaviour has gone on for long enough. That is why I will be introducing Football Banning Orders in Scotland.
From 1st September 2006 anyone causing trouble, being abusive, violent or bigoted can be banned from going to matches in Scotland, the rest of UK, and overseas for up to 10 years. These individuals can also be banned from other areas such as town centres, railway stations and bars on match days. The message is clear. Abusive behaviour has no place in Scottish football. Hooligans can deny their prejudice as much as they want, but there's nothing casual about going from 90 minutes of bigotry to a 10 year ban.
We can all play a part in tackling abusive behaviour. We can all examine our own behaviour and challenge the attitudes and behaviour of others, and we can all exert peer pressure on those who bring our clubs into disrepute. Together we can ensure that the vile behaviour of the minority doesn't spoil the season for the rest of us. I wish you and your club all the best for the new season and know that you can be counted on to do your bit for the reputation of our national game and our country.
CATHY JAMIESON
Minister for Justice
FOOTBALL BANNING ORDERS (FBOs): YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The following question and answer section will help you to understand how Football Banning Orders in Scotland will apply:
When will FBOs come into force?
Football Banning Orders are part of Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 and come into force on 1 September 2006.
Why do we need FBOs?
Abusive football hooliganism is still a lingering menace in Scotland. FBO's will help to tackle the small but hard core element who continue to cause trouble at football matches and other places where fans gather by excluding them from these places.
What football matches can you be excluded from?
Abusive behaviour could lead to you being banned from every senior club in the UK and any game involving the national teams, even those played abroad.
Why can you be banned from other places and not just football grounds?
Not all football related trouble happens in or around football stadiums. There are many other flashpoints where trouble can erupt on match days, such as bars which are popular with fans, town centres or railway stations.
How will FBOs work?
There are two ways. A court can impose a FBO on an individual convicted of an offence instead of, or in addition to, any sentence the court could impose for the offence. Also the police can make a summary application to a sheriff court for a FBO to be imposed against an individual.
Who will administer FBOs?
The Football Banning Orders Unit will administer FBO's for the whole of Scotland. By working closely with all of the police forces in Scotland and across the UK they will ensure that hooligans are identified, arrested and prosecuted. They will also ensure that FBO's are rigorously enforced and information shared. Anyone who fails to comply with the terms of their FBO or commits an offence can be fined and imprisoned for up to 6 months.
How long will a FBO last?
Between 3 and 10 years, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Do FBO's apply to sectarian chanting?
Yes, this is a unique feature of Scottish FBO's.
What can I do?
If you see trouble or know of an individual who has previously caused or been involved in violence or disorder, and you think that they may continue to pose a threat, you should report the matter to the police
remember - this can affect you too. A St Mirren fan was thrown out the other week for sarcasitically cheering Kenny Miller missing a sitter. After 1st September, depending on which steward/policeman is standing next to you and their interpretation of things it could result in you receiving a banning order.
to me this is a shocking development in the world of football :010:
