VIEW FROM SIDELINES
Neil Lennon has described sectarianism as a “form of racism” following claims instances of religious prejudice are being swept under the carpet again in Scottish football.
Match delegates employed by the Scottish Professional Football League are reported to be dismayed by the lack of action after citing incidents during matches.
Butlennonbelievestheproblem is getting better rather than worse in Scotland.
“I didn’t like what I saw preseason from some sets of supporters,” said the Hibs manager. “But certainly through the season I haven’t really been made aware of too much of it, to tell you the truth.
“In my opinion it has got better but maybe that’s because I’m out of the Glasgow goldfish bowl. But I do think that clubs are getting better at trying to deter it. Sectarianism is a form of racism and there is no room for any form of racism in this day and age.”
Asked about what he saw and heard in pre-season, he added: “Some supporters acting in a way and singing songs, abroad, in England and here in Scotland, and it was alcohol fuelled but it is in depth.
“I haven’t seen too much of it
NEIL LENNON term solution to the problem can be found could be dashed later today at Holyrood with the final stages of the repeal of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act. The original legislation was pushed through by the SNP in 2012.
Clubs have always resisted a European model of strict liability where they are held accountable for all unacceptable conduct in their own stadium. If they prove they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent such behaviour then they can escape sanction.
The SPFL released a statement following a report on BBC Scotland where an unnamed former match delegate accused the league body of sweeping the issue of sectarianism “under the carpet”.
The story claimed delegates have reported at least four clubs this season for fans singing offensive or
“I didn’t like what I saw pre-season from some sets of supporters. But certainly through the season I haven’t really been made aware of too much of it”