Clubs must beat football bigots

THE Offensive Behaviour at Football Act has been given the red card.

Arriving in a blaze of publicity from grandstanding Alex Salmond, there was scepticism about the wisdom of the signing from the start.

And, true to form, it’s played a bit of a nightmare, failing to perform the role it was brought in to do.

So it’s no surprise that yesterday it was given its marching orders.

The problem, however, is that there is no suitable substitute sitting stripped on the bench ready to be thrown on as a replacement.

Of course, there is an unsigned alternative.

Its name is Strict Liability, a utility player who has been successful in Europe.

Campaigners like Nil By Mouth have been watching it on the Continent and like the cut of its jib.

With the parties heading back to the drawing board to discuss tactics, it’s time they gave this option serious consideration.

It would require Scotland’s football clubs to take personal responsibility for their fans’ behaviour.

If an element misbehave, they’ll be hit where it hurts – in the pocket or the league table.

Holyrood MSPs yesterday showed they have the courage to sack under-performers.

But do they have the guts to make controversial changes that could get the job done?