LOUTSWILLPUT OFFBIGNAMES
EASTER ROAD, TONIGHT, 7.45, BT SPORT
FROM BACK PAGE Scott Sinclair had a Buckfast bottle launched at him by a Hibs fan in the first of three ugly Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
Just 24 hours later some travelling Rangers supporters ripped up seats and threw them at Aberdeen fans, who unfurled an offensive banner aimed at Alfredo Morelos during their tie.
And the following night Gary Caldwell was pelted with coins as he stood in the Partick Thistle dugout during their quarter-final tie against Hearts.
Gerrard insists it’s a societal problem rather than just a football one and that it isn’t exclusive to Scotland. But he is concerned about the impact on the Scottish Premiership’s image.
The 38-year-old signed big-name England striker Jermain Defoe in January and believes it will be harder to recruit stars without a clampdown on the morons.
Gerrard said: “There are a load of positive things to say about the support in Scotland but if these incidents continue you could have a problem attracting top players.
“Players want to come to Scotland to play in big games. The Scottish fans are excellent in the main but that could be a factor in their decision making.
“We all have a responsibility – managers, staff, players, fans, media – to create a positive image of the game.
“These matches go out worldwide and clips of these instances from the fans, whether it be chants, bottles or coins thrown, get shown all over the world.
“It certainly dents the reputation of the game in Scotland. The most important thing is the safety of the players.
“I don’t want to be talking about someone getting badly hurt and if it continues that could be the case.
“The game in general is in a decent place. These are isolated incidents in certain games in recent weeks that paint a picture of a big, giant problem. I don’t think that’s the case. I trust the authorities to do everything they can to make sure these incidents don’t happen at all.
“If you see any incidents or something about to start, then have a word or report it to a steward because that could be the difference between a player being hurt or a club receiving a big fine that would be an injustice.”
SPFL clubs are against strict liability rules where they are accountable for the actions of their fans and Gerrard admitted it’s a tricky subject.
Asked if it would improve things, he said: “It’s a good question but difficult to answer because I’m employed by the club and more often than not it’s not the club’s fault.
“It’s the fault of individuals – or the minority if they’re in a group – so maybe it’s them who deserve the punishment and not necessarily the clubs.
“I don’t totally agree with that rule. Sometimes it’s harsh on the clubs to receive a big fine because they do everything they can – I know how hard this club works with the fans and police to eradicate that type of behaviour.”
Some Gers fans ignored a warning from the club not to step out of line at Pittodrie as they were hit with a £3000 bill for damaged seats.
Gerrard said: “It’s not great behaviour or something these people should be proud of.
“It is not perfect down south either. It is a worldwide society problem. If you went to Fenerbahce v Galatasaray in Turkey you would see incidents. That is disappointing.”