Anti-sectarian law U-turn a step forward

A BID to scrap a controversial law aimed at cracking down on sectarian behaviour at football has taken another step forward.

MSPs have backed efforts to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act, insisting the legislation is flawed and unnecessary.

A majority of Holyrood’s Justice Committee threw its weight behind James Kelly MSP’s Bill, seeking to axe the law, which came into force in 2012.

Its introduction followed a notorious Old Firm match which saw three red cards, several confrontations and more than 200 arrests. Celtic manager Neil Lennon was later sent bullets and a parcel bomb in the post.

Justice Committee convener Margaret Mitchell MSP said that, whether the law was finally repealed or not, “the message that came through from the vast majority of witnesses was that this legislation needs to be changed”.

She said: “While there is disagreement over the best way to proceed, the committee is united in its desire to have laws that help the police and prosecutors to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour. However, it is vitally important that our laws actually improve relationships between various groups within society, including law enforcement and sports fans.”

The Offensive Behaviour at Football Act has come under heavy criticism since its introduction, with lawyers arguing it has “not been fundamental to tackling sectarianism”.

Mr Kelly’s Bill will now progress through parliament, before a final debate and binding vote at some point in the next few months.