All Scottish fans and players get code of conduct in crackdown on sectarianism

PLAYERS, officials and supporters of every team in Scottish football will be asked to abide by a code of conduct by the end of the new season, as part of efforts to root out sectarianism and disorder from the game.

The measure will see clubs adopt a single code for fans that will allow "appropriate sanctions" to be taken against those who commit "football-related offences", while separate guidelines will govern the behaviour of players, coaches and other staff.

The codes of conduct were among scores of recommendations announced yesterday by the multi-agency group set up to clamp down on sectarian and offensive behaviour at fixtures.

The joint action group (JAG), whose members include the Scottish Government, Strathclyde Police and both Rangers and Celtic, also pledged to establish a nationwide policing unit dedicated to gathering intelligence on offenders and helping in post-match investigations.

Tough controls on the sale of alcohol could be brought in, with senior police officers given the power to ask courts for restrictions at licensed premises in areas where trouble is expected.

With the new Scottish season less than two weeks away, JAG said the "wide-ranging recommendations" would help improve the game in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond praised the "powerful proposals" drawn up by the group but emphasised it was only the "beginning of the process" to tackle sectarian behaviour.

While precise details of the codes of conduct have yet to be agreed, they will cover every member club of the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said the content of the codes was a "work in progress" that would be fleshed out by the JAG members, and it is intended they will be in place before next May. It has yet to be established whether the "football-related offences" will cover sectarian songs and chants.

The new National Football Policing Unit will be overseen by a superintendent from Strathclyde Police. Backed by 1.8 million in government funding, it is designed to introduce greater consistency to the way matches are policed. In practice, the unit's duties will include attending matches throughout the country, where required, to assist other forces. Final staffing levels are still being ratified, but it is understood the number of officers will be in double figures, and will begin their work in time for the start of this season a week on Saturday.

At its final meeting before the new season, the JAG also vowed to engage more formally with supporters to "build consensus" and "seek their views".

Announcing the 40 points its members had agreed on, the group said it had made "significant progress" from the initial proposals set out at its inaugural meeting in March.Other key measures included: new powers allowing licensing boards to restrict the opening hours of premises around match times; amendments to Football Banning Orders legislation to "extend" their use and ensure they are deployed "more effectively", confirmation this year's New Year Old Firm derby will be played on Wednesday, 28 December, with changes to other games between the Glasgow rivals.

Speaking after the meeting at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Mr Salmond said: "All of the partners have made a real commitment to turn words into action and the powerful proposals we have agreed highlight our determination to work together."

The recommendations come weeks after Mr Salmond called a halt to emergency legislation intended to tackle football-related hate crimes. The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill would have created two offences relating to behaviour deemed to "incite religious, racial or other forms of hatred" in and around football grounds and on the internet.