Football bans may be used against bigots

Published on Wednesday 18 November 2009 21:30

THE greater use of football banning orders is to be explored by ministers as part of the Scottish Government's drive to tackle sectarianism.

Alex Salmond's government will also ask councils, police chiefs and trade unions to look again at a 2006 document on tackling abusive behaviour at marches and parades to see how it can be best used at local level.

Community safety minister Fergus Ewing announced the moves in a statement to parliament.

"We will press for a banning order to be sought on every occasion sectarian abuse, violence or disorder occurs," Mr Ewing said.

"Now that banning orders have been in place for three years, it's time to take stock and ensure we are doing everything we can to tackle the violence and abusive behaviour that sometimes mars our national sport."

But he came under fire from Labour MSPs, including the former first minister Jack McConnell, who said Labour's approach was "not good enough".

Labour asked whether Mr Salmond would be attending a summit on sectarianism on Monday. Mr Ewing said it was never intended that the event would be led by Mr Salmond.