Cops’ war on footie hooligans
Spate of hooliganism sparks action
COPS last night promised to launch a Christmas clampdown on the thug fans who bring shame to Scottish football.
In an unprecedented move, Police Scotland and the SPFL teamed up to announce a zero tolerance approach. The move comes as a packed schedule of festive football looms, with powder-keg clashes including derbies in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
They have warned fans to lay off the booze after a spate of toxic behaviour.
Rangers fan Stuart McGaughay was fined and banned from matches for two years after he pleaded guilty to throwing a coin at a linesman at Livingston in September.
A coin was also thrown at Hibs boss Neil Lennon in a match against Hearts at Tynecastle in October.
Racism also reared its ugly head earlier this month, when Hearts banned two fans who allegedly singled out black Motherwell player Christian Mbulu.
And Celtic’s Scott Sinclair was targeted by an Aberdeen fan, who hurled racist abuse at him.
In another racist incident, morons at Falkirk abused one of their own black players in a game at Stenhousemuir.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “The vast majority of fans attend the match, support their team and enjoy the occasion. However, we are all too aware of incidents of dangerous, criminal and anti-social behaviour.
“It’s really disappointing a small minority are having such a negative impact on the game.”
Higgins listed five bullet points of advice for fans.
Drinking alcohol on the streets or in a public place can be an offence.
Drinking alcohol on public transport, including buses and trains, is not permitted.
It is an offence to be in possession of alcohol or be drunk aboard a coach or mini-bus travelling to a sporting event. Officers will carry out spot checks to enforce this. ●You can’t bring, or attempt to bring alcohol into the stadium – if you have drunk too much you won’t get in.
It is illegal to attempt to enter the stadium in possession of pyrotechnic devices, such as flares.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “It is important we make the tiny minority of fans who misbehave at matches aware we’ll do everything we can to identify and deal with anyone who commits an offence, together with clubs, fans and Police Scotland.”
A small minority are having a negative impact on the game BERNARD HIGGINS