Football fans protest over ‘demonisation’
THOUSANDS of Celtic fans staged a rally protesting at alleged ill treatment by the police and new legislation aimed at cracking down on sectarianism.
Fans Against Criminalisation claim the new powers have resulted in unfair treatment and demonisation of ordinary fans.
Yesterday’s event, held at George Square in Glasgow, came just weeks after an unauthorised march by the Green Brigade group of Celtic fans saw 13 arrests made.
Labour MSP Michael McMahon, who addressed the fans, told them the Scottish Government had failed to listen to warnings before they passed the new laws.
He insisted: “The reality is that you shouldn’t have to be here.
“When the Scottish Government were bringing this legislation forward they were told by all of the other political parties, the legal profession, by anti- sectarianism and children’s charities, that it was wrong in principle and it was badly drafted.
“They were also told the criminalisation of football fans could not stand the test that it was about to receive.
“That has proven to be right. The Scottish Government wouldn’t listen then and they have to be made to listen now.”
Fans Against Criminalisation ( FAC) represents thousands of fans belonging to the Green Brigade, Celtic Trust, Celtic Supporters Association, Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs and Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs.
The group opposes the Offensive Behaviour at Football Bill.
Glasgow City Council agreed to the George Square event but declined permission for a parade as the organisers failed to comply with a 28 days’ notice period.
McMahon also told the rally they had support in Holyrood.
He said: “I wanted to deliver a message to you that you have support in the Scottish Parliament.
“As the campaign moves forward, as petitions are produced, as rallies are held, we continue relentlessly to support it.
“It’s only by sending out that strong signal that the Scottish Government will listen.
“We have to make them listen because having an opinion that is different from them can’t be a crime. Being a football fan can’t be a crime.
“Stay relentless and stay focused. I also ask you and plead with you to not give the authorities any opportunity to portray football fans as a rabble, and justify what they are trying to do.
“We are a strong family and we will stand together. We will not give them the opportunity to deflect attention away from what really matters, that is returning football to the fans and getting the politics out of football.”
Police Scotland said they there were no arrests.
Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Approximately 3,000 people participated in the rally at George Square.
“There was no disorder and no arrests and I am delighted by the way in which those who took part conducted themselves.
“When planning for a day like today, we have to strike a balance between protecting people’s right to peaceful protest whilst ensuring that the city continues to operate with the minimum of disruption to the people who live and work here. I believe we achieved just that.”