FINES, partial stadium closures, and points deductions should be considered for Scottish clubs after Celtic fans left “residents afraid to leave their homes” during victory celebrations over the weekend, an MSP has said.
John Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston for the SNP, raised concerns with the Scottish Government after 19 people were arrested and four police officers allegedly injured amid disorder at an impromptu gathering of some 25,000 people at Glasgow Cross on Saturday.
Raising a topical question at Holyrood on Tuesday, Mason said: “I myself walked in the area at 6.30 on Saturday [and saw] people urinating in the pens, closes, and residents afraid to leave their homes.”
He asked Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown: “Does she agree with me that it is unacceptable that a major road junction in Glasgow is completely blocked, buses and other traffic.
“The Tron Theatre had to cancel its performance that evening. Allegedly four police officers were injured and the A&E was completely swamped.”
He added: “Would she agree with me that clubs need to get more involved in taking responsibility for their fans, perhaps organising fan zones and perhaps strict liability, including things like partial stadium closures, points deductions, and fines, as happens in Europe should be considered.
“And can she again give any reassurance that the clubs will take responsibility this coming Saturday for their fans' behaviour?”
The Scottish Cup final is to take place next weekend at Hampden Park (above), with the two Old Firm clubs taking part.
The council is understood to be liaising with clubs about what can be done to safely celebrate a win.
Strict liability would see the clubs be legally responsible for their fans’ actions. Brown said the option had “never” been ruled out.
However, she went on: “Our preferred solution has always been that the footballing authorities themselves proactively shape and deliver a robust and meaningful solution to tackle any unacceptable conduct by what is a minority of supporters.
“I understand that Glasgow City Council has had discussions with clubs to discuss organised celebrations and I fully encourage such dialogue between football clubs and local authorities about conducting safe events for their fans which minimise the impact on the community.”
She added: “The Scottish Government condemns the incidents of violence, vandalism, and anti-social behaviour that took place in Glasgow on Saturday.
“Any threat to public safety and any damage caused by the disorder is just not acceptable.
“We fully support Police Scotland and other emergency services and thank them for their response.
“We also support Glasgow City Council, who were left to clear up the rubbish and damage, and I appreciate the help that was given by the Celtic football fans in the aftermath and their engagement with football clubs to prevent future incidents.
“Whilst the vast majority of fans are well behaved, it is clear when a minority do not, there is wide-ranging implications.
“Governing bodies and individual clubs must consider what measures they can take and how they can use their influence to help tackle misconduct.”
