Number of football hate crimes drops but reason for it debated
A DROP in the number of hate crimes at football matches may have nothing to do with controversial legislation that was designed to stamp out sectarianism on the terraces, MSPs have said.
The claim was made after the Scottish Government said the laws aimed at curbing sectarian behaviour at football matches were an “important tool” for police and prosecutors and would remain in place.
The SNP’s Offensive Behaviour at Football Act came under scrutiny at Holyrood following publication of research which warned that the law, introduced at the end of the 2011-12 season, had put new strains on relations between police and supporters with many fans believing prosecutions for singing songs were heavy handed.
The study, conducted by the University of Stirling and ScotCen Research, came as it was revealed that the number of crimes recorded under the Act had dropped by 28 per cent since it was introduced.
Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, said that the law had been introduced in response to intolerable circumstances following an unacceptable level of sectarianism related to football.
He added: “Tackling all forms of abusive behaviour, including in and associated with football, is a priority for this government.
“It is central to building an inclusive Scotland where all can live and raise their families in peace without the fear of threats, a bu s e or prejudice.
“The Act remains an important tool for helping us to achieve that goal.”
The ministerial statement came after Alex Salmond hit out at critics of the legislation, describing sheriffs who had spoken out against it as “daft toffs” who thought “football was rugger with another name”.
Labour’s justice spokesman Hugh Henry responded to Mr Wheelhouse by saying it was impossible to determine whether any of the reductions in crime had been a result of the law, saying many could have been prosecuted under existing legislation, and accused the minister of being “disingenuous”.
He added: “A promise was made to review the legislation. This work should be the start of that review. We all know that bigotry and intolerance are not confined to football matches but sadly infect Scottish life.
“The Act has created a culture of mistrust between football fans and the authorities, whilst the research is welcome, it does not make clear whether or not the legislation is effective.”