‘Strict liabilty would encourage renegades’
SCOTTISH Football Association board member Mike Mulraney is adamant the introduction of strict liability is not the answer to curbing disorder at stadiums.
The need to tackle supporter indiscretions has become a top priority following a spate of recent incidents. Hibs boss Neil Lennon was struck by a coin during last Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby, while Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal had a punch thrown in his direction.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was also hit by a missile lobbed from the stands after notching a late goal against St Mirren on Saturday and assistant referee Calum Spence suffered the same fate during Livingston’s 1-0 win over the Gers in September.
The debate regarding whether clubs should be held accountable for the transgressions of fans inside their stadium has been reignited as a consequence, however Alloa chairman Mulraney maintains that is an ineffective solution – and ripe for manipulation.
He said: “I’m not a supporter of strict liability at all. I think it has been proven not to work.
“Uefa have implemented it and it has failed and I know people in Uefa recognise that.
“The only strict liability that happens in Scotland at the moment is with the national team – and we get fined because visiting fans come and throw a flare.
“What has been proven is that you get renegade fans actively seeking to cause problems, knowing it will create difficulties for that club under strict liability.
“Football has got to step up to the plate and do everything in its power to ensure these incidents are mitigated.”