Bid lodged to scrap footy behaviour law

A BID to scrap a controversial law aimed at tackling sectarian behaviour at football matches has been lodged at the Scottish Parliament.

James Kelly has brought forward a Member’s Bill to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act.

The Labour MSP said he is “confident that next season will be the final football season with this poor piece of legislation in place”.

The law came into force in 2012 after the SNP used its majority in the last Parliament to pass the Act despite a lack of support from other parties.

Mr Kelly’s public consultation on his Member’s Bill found 71% of respondents support scrapping the Football Act. He said: “The SNP’s Football Act is now approaching injury time. My bid to scrap it has now been formally introduced and I am hopeful we can see a vote on it this year.

“I am confident that next season will be the final football season with this poor piece of legislation in place.”