SFA call in the cops and MSPs
FROM BACK PAGE vile abuse at Ibrox on Wednesday, just days after striker Kris Boyd was targeted in the league clash with Celtic.
Clarke claimed sick fans were living in the dark ages after “Fenian b ****** ” chants while Boyd hit out after being on the end of “Orange b ****** ” slurs.
Maxwell revealed he has already held talks with MSPs and police chiefs following numerous flashpoints this season, including former Hibs boss Neil Lennon and assistant ref Callum Spence being hit by coins and Hearts keeper Zlamal Zdenek being attacked by a Hibs fan.
Government chiefs have long called for strict liability – punishing clubs for fans’ behaviour – and there are fears the SFA’s £4million annual Holyrood handout for the game’s grassroots could be at risk if they fail to get tough.
MSP James Dornan last night stepped up the strict liability push but Maxwell is aware the prospect will be met by strong resistance from the clubs who voted the issue down in 2013.
Maxwell is hoping to work with the parliament and police as he hit out at the anti-social element blighting the game.
Maxwell said: “The SFA condemns in the strongest possible terms the spate of incidents this season involving unacceptable conduct in Scottish football.
“We must do all we can under our current rules and engage with clubs to seek to eradicate such behaviour. This issue, however, is not one that football can solve on its own.
“To that end, SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and I recently met with Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick and Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins to discuss unacceptable conduct in football and how we can work together to address this.
“We will seek further discussions to maintain the momentum for change.”
Kilmarnock last night issued a statement backing the comments of their boss while Rangers also vowed to weed out offensive fans.
An Ibrox spokesman said: “Rangers wishes to make it clear unacceptable behaviour won’t be tolerated at Ibrox. Everything will be done to eradicate this kind of behaviour.”