SPFL seek more talks to tackle yob crisis
SCOTLAND’S clubs have agreed to seek further help from the Scottish Government and police in a bid to find a collective solution to football’s yob crisis. The SPFL board met at Hampden yesterday to discuss the incidents of unacceptable fan behaviour that have blighted the Scottish game this season and increased the pressure for action. Talks with the SFA have been ongoing on a joint initiative to crack down on the hooliganism, but clubs also feel any meaningful measures must be thrashed out in conjunction with the wider authorities. Some calls have been made for the introduction of Strict Liability, which would see clubs held directly responsible for trouble involving their fans. However, Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows — an SPFL board member — insisted he would rather see harsher punishments meted out to miscreant supporters. The international break provides an opportunity to
advance discussions with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, although an outcome is not expected to be in place by the time top-flight club football returns at the end of the month. ‘The recent incidents of unacceptable conduct were discussed by members of the SPFL board at its meeting at Hampden today,’ said an SPFL spokesman last night. ‘There was a strong consensus in condemning such behaviour and the individuals who commit criminal acts at football grounds. The SPFL will continue to engage with key stakeholders to help tackle all criminality occurring at SPFL stadia.’ Bottles and coins have been thrown in incidents this term, while Rangers captain James Tavernier was confronted on the Easter Road pitch by a Hibs fan. Managers and players have also been subjected to sectarian abuse. ‘Whilst this is not an issue which can be solved overnight, the international break provides a welcome opportunity to liaise with other organisations,’ said a source close to yesterday’s talks. ‘The SPFL is keen to work with its partners to develop an effective, wide-ranging approach to seriously tackle this issue, which everyone agrees is a blight on our game. ‘It’s important to recognise that this is not something that football can deal with on its own. The game needs support and co-operation from the Scottish Government, the police and other groups, and we have been encouraged by the initial responses.’ Motherwell chief Burrows is keen to see increased sanctions used against the fans who have brought shame to Scottish football. ‘There’s been a lot of talk about Strict Liability, but I’m really interested in Strict Liability for people who step out of line,’ he said prior to the meeting. ‘If you take the incidents over the last few weeks, there are crowds of almost 20,000 and one or two people step out of line. ‘As a percentage, that’s not a high amount of people to step out of line. But if the punishment to that individual isn’t severe enough, then that’s not the biggest deterrent. ‘It’s not about punishing the clubs or punishing the people who are involved at the clubs. It’s about punishing people who actually do it. ‘The only way to properly stop it is to go after the individuals strongly.’