Concern over rise of sectarianism at football matches

ONE of Scotland’s most senior police officers has said there are concerns about rising disorder and sectarianism at football matches.

Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr said he is surprised at how “normal” sectarianism and aggression towards police is from some fans.

He said recent incidents include a flare being thrown at a police horse, officers being pulled from horses and others being spat at and attacked.

His comments came as Police Scotland said they are investigating reports of sectarian singing at Hearts’ ground Tynecastle on Wednesday when the Edinburgh side lost 2-1 to Celtic, as well as reports of coins being thrown from the away stand during the match.

The force appealed for anyone with information about these incidents to get in contact.

Speaking at a Scottish Police Authority board meeting in Greenock, Mr Kerr said: “The vast majority of fans who go to these football matches do so entirely peacefully and just want to enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is Scottish football.

“But what I’ve been surprised at over the last six months has been that level of sectarianism on display and I say that having policed in Northern Ireland for nearly 30 years.

“I’ve been surprised at how much it is seen as normal. It feels almost visceral in a way I haven’t experienced for quite a while.”