Football is ‘an obstacle in fight against bigotry’
Report claims figures in the game oppose plans
FOOTBALL was yesterday branded an “obstacle” to tackling sectarianism as a major report was published into Scotland’s shame.
Dr Duncan Morrow said the sport’s authorities and major clubs seem more interested in avoiding responsibility than taking action on what remains a “deep-rooted” issue.
The Belfast-based academic, who was giving a progress report on an advisory group on tackling sectarianism he chaired in 2015, also called for a review of hate crime laws.
He said: “Of the wide range of interests and institutions we talked to – including other areas where blame has long been attached (such as education and marches and parades) – the place where we encountered the most consistent resistance to taking responsibility for further action was football.”
Dr Morrow’s initial recommendations had called Scottish clubs to implement “strict liability”, the UEFA standard for making clubs responsible for their fans’ conduct.
But key figures in the game have opposed the plan.
In the review, Dr Morrow said: “Football authorities have brought forward proposals to improve their ability to address unacceptable conduct.
“They have worked closely with the Scottish Government Active Scotland policy team to develop initial proposals in this area.
“While these are obviously welcome, I am sceptical that they will be sufficient to change the sectarian behaviour in Scottish football, and I remain seriously concerned that the primary concern of the authorities remains to avoid responsibility rather than to take action.”
Scotland’s leading antisectarianism charity were also critical of football’s response to the problem.
Nil By Mouth campaign director Dave Scott said: “It’s clear from the report that Scottish football continues to be an obstacle
We can nurture a modern nation not weighed down by prejudices
to progress and it’s consistent refusal to manage their environment undermines efforts in wider society.
“Given the millions of pounds of public money the sport benefits from, our political parties must ensure the game steps up or faces the consequences of its inaction.”
The review heard responses from bodies including churches, police, football bodies and local authorities, some of whom were labelled as “defensive”.
Dr Morrow said there needs to be a move away from “naming and shaming” people or groups and he ANNABELLE EWING wants to see sectarianism included in a review of hate crime legislation.
Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing was “very pleased” some progress had been made since the initial report.
But she added: “The Scottish Government cannot eradicate sectarianism in isolation.
“While we are committed to taking forward the recommendations, we must also continue to work with local authorities, the third sector, community groups and football clubs to foster a Scotland where sectarianism is consigned to history.
“Together, we can nurture a modern nation that isn’t weighed down by prejudices of the past.”