Scottish Officials to Crack Down on 'Religious' Clashes at Soccer Games
A bill that seeks to tackle religious hate crimes and violence committed at soccer stadiums and on the Internet was passed by the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.
Scottish soccer matches between Rangers FC and Celtic FC in particular attract tens of thousands of fans at derby games, and have often sparked abuse and violence between the two sets of supporters. The rivalry, better known as the "Old Firm," is more than just a sporting competition, and has long been infused with religious sectarian turmoil, with Rangers’ support traditionally coming from Protestants, while Celtic’s support coming from Roman Catholics.
Glasgow, the city where both teams play their home games, has also been split between Irish and United Kingdom support, with Celtic fans most likely to identify themselves with the Irish sect, while Rangers have been more loyal to the British flag.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The very first game between the two clubs was played in 1888, according to a Slate report that explores in the history of the "Old Firm" rivalry in depth.
A Scottish Cup match which Celtic won 1-0 on March 3rd, 2011, ended in clashes between fans and supporters, with three players being dismissed from the game and 34 people being arrested in and around Parkhead Stadium in Glasgow, the Guardian reported. At an earlier game on Feb. 20, there were more than 229 people apprehended by police officers.
The historical rivalry between the clubs has crossed the line more than once, and the Offensive Behavior at Football (soccer) and Threatening Communications Bill passed by the Scottish National Party earlier this week will target people inciting and participating in verbal or physical abuse at soccer matches or on the Internet.
Besides being permanently banned from attending games, people found guilty of such crimes could spend up to five years in prison, The Daily Record shared.
It is hoped that the new legislation will help deter violence and keep the peace at future Old Firm games. Community Safety Minister Roseanna Cunningham said in a statement that the vote reflects the will of the people.
"Much of what we see at football celebrates nothing more than hate and division and is done to antagonize and provoke old wounds. That is unacceptable and that must stop," Cunningham said. "We've heard much about this Government's apparent failure to listen on this issue. But listen we have, time and time again, listening to the demands of the overwhelming majority of Scots who do want tougher action."
Not everyone approved of the bill, however, and it only passed by a 64-to-57 vote. Fans Against Criminalization, a coalition of Celtic supporters from different groups tried to enter the Scottish Parliament with t-shirts spelling out "Fans Not Criminals," but they were stopped at the door.
They were invited to share their views by the Labour party, which is opposing the bill and made a last-ditch attempt to block it.
Spokesman James Kelly declared that the legislation is "fatally flawed and risks doing more harm than good," another article by The Daily Record revealed.
"I urge the SNP government to do the decent thing and drop this discredited Bill," he added.
Instead of threatening people with jail time, the Labour party wants to address sectarian problems by urging schools and churches to focus on the issue and teach young people not to fall into a violent path.
