Residents hit out at Euro 2020 proposal
BY PAUL HUTCHEON Political Editor
RESIDENTS fear their privacy could be violated under plans to let council officials search homes around Hampden without a warrant.
The move is aimed at rooting out counterfeit goods at the 2020 European football championships.
Trading standards officers would have the power to seize merchandise that infringes the rights of UEFA – if MSPs approve legislation.
A Scottish Government spokesman said searches without a warrant could only be carried out if a householder agrees.
The tournament will be held in 12 cities next summer, with Hampden hosting four matches.
However, Chris Carus, chairman of Mount Florida community council, urged ministers to rethink the plan amid privacy fears.
He wrote: “We are concerned at the wide-ranging powers proposed to be available to enforcement officers. Provisions for searching persons, vehicles, homes and premises, in some cases without a warrant and using ‘reasonable force’, are out of proportion to the purposes of revenue and brand protection for UEFA, a corporate body.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells said: “This is an extraordinary proposition that won’t be tolerated by householders.”
Paul Goodwin, of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, added: “It’s over the top.”
Enforcement officers are expected to be drawn from Glasgow City Council.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Powers to enter and search a home are subject to significant safeguards.”