Fraud in football
Ground certificates falsified, but no one has faced court
smaller clubs. These issues... are of serious concern to those charged with administering Scottish football.”
The report says the failings must be urgently addressed by the authorities in Scotland. It calls for “an urgent multi-agency review to establish an appropriate governance, consultation and inspection regime”.
The report says fans’ safety has been put at risk, and only the actions of “committed professionals” has prevented a “critical safety incident” .
Roberts said: “Members of the public could be put at significant risk as a result of a lack of rigour in the safety framework and regime.
“A lot of people in a lot of organisations are working really hard to keep people safe, absolutely with the right motivation and intentions, but they are working in a framework which doesn’t support them doing it.”
Roberts refers to one bizarre incident where a steward celebrated a goal, angering fans of the team that had conceded and sparking a police response.
The report also touches on sectarianism. Roberts said that often, suspects cannot be arrested immediately because it could trigger more disorder, and fans are often identified later having been filmed.
Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr of Police Scotland said he was pleased the report had highlighted his force’s “enviable reputation” for policing large sporting events.
But he added that, as a “learning organisation”, Police Scotland would “consider the recommendations relating to policing and report to the Scottish Police Authority in due course”. He went on: “We have raised issues outwith the remit of policing with the appropriate authorities.”
Kelly accused Roberts of brushing aside “widespread complaints” from supporters and dismissing “the anger that law-abiding fans feel over being overtly filmed”.
He added: “It is matter of concern that six months after the crush at a Celtic-Rangers game, questions still remain about the crowd safety operation on that day.
“Police Scotland must do all it can to rebuild trust with fans, which has been eroded in recent years.”
COSLA president Alison Evison said: “Today’s report is a regrettable missed opportunity. We are not going to achieve the outcomes we all want while one part of the system tells the rest of us what we should be doing.
“It is very disappointing that the police in particular are failing to embrace partnership working.
“Councils are the subject of some sweeping statements in the report, but despite this, we have not been involved in any aspect of it.
“This treatment of our local councils is not acceptable. Irrespective of that, we will of course consider the recommendations and any implications for us.”
The Scottish Government welcomed the report and said: “While stadium safety certification is a matter for councils in the first instance, the recommendation to address this is in line with work we have been undertaking with partners in football and local government.”