Football fans could face ban for setting off flares and online abuse
Ministers warns that behaviour of ‘minority’ puts other fans at risk
Football fans who let off flares and other pyrotechnics could be banned from attending matches, under plans to toughen the law around football-related related disorder.
Supporters who engage in online abuse could also be subject to banning orders as part of proposed changes being brought forward by the Scottish Government.
While football banning orders (FBOs) have been part of the legislative toolkit for nearly two decades, sporting authorities and fans’ organisations have expressed growing concern over the use of pyrotechnics during matches.
Last year, a 10 year-old Dundee fan, was left with a burnt cheek after being struck on the head by a flare during a match at St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park ground.
In June, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), which governs elite level league football in Scotland, condemned the “dangerous, irresponsible and selfish behaviour” of a small number of supporters, and singled out the “completely unacceptable” use of flares, fireworks, smoke bombs, and other missiles.
It said players, staff and other fans should have the right to attend games free from the risk of being struck by projectiles, and stressed the need for “far more widespread use” of FBOs.
The extension of the FBO powers has been the subject of discussions as part of a Scottish Government working group, but the planned change will be detailed in a consultation that will be launched on Monday by community safety minister Siobhian Brown. The consultation was informed by an expert group which included football authorities, the government and Police Scotland.
Banning orders provide the power to stop fans attending games anywhere in the UK for 10 years, but currently are only imposed if supporters are involved in violence or disorder. Ms Brown said the consultation would look at making changes to take account of recent trends.
She said: “Football fans are passionate about the sport, supporting their club and, of course, our national team. The vast majority of supporters are well-behaved and want to enjoy football safely. However, the behaviour of a small minority can put others at risk and spoil their enjoyment of the game, and have consequences for the football club.
“Whilst we have significantly strengthened the law to tackle pyrotechnic misuse in recent years, so that those who carry fireworks and flares into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison, pyrotechnic misuse at games remains an issue.”
Ms Brown added: “The legislation governing FBOs in Scotland was introduced in 2006, when the use of flares at matches and harmful social media behaviour associated with the game were much less common.
“While FBOs can already be imposed on conviction for pyrotechnics offences that involve violence or disorder, we want to hear from people whether the law needs to change so these orders could be used more widely for pyrotechnics possession and misuse - ultimately to become a more effective deterrent and keep people safe.”
Alan Marshall, of the Football Safety Officers Association Scotland, said: “Safety officers across the country see first-hand the evolving challenges in ensuring a safe environment at football matches, including the increased misuse of pyrotechnics, which are illegal and becoming a bigger issue at football matches across Europe.
“FBOs are an important tool in helping prevent disorder. It is appropriate that the legislation is reviewed to reflect modern realities.”
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