Old Firm fans finally find common ground

FOOTBALL fans have warned Scottish Government ministers they face growing opposition as they attempt to pass new laws cracking down on sectarianism at games.

It follows banners held up by Rangers fans this week, in the section normally occupied by a section of supporters known as the Blue Order, which said: “SNP – weak on criminals, tough on fans.” Celtic fans also made their own protest on Sunday, with a banner that said: “Our songs are not illegal.”

Meanwhile, civil liberty campaigners have warned the Scottish Government’s proposed Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill, will lead to worse relations between opposing fans.

Under laws currently being debated in the Scottish Parliament, fans whose songs are offensive and incite violence could be arrested and face maximum sentences of five years.

However, critics have warned the legislation is too vague.

John Macmillan, general secretary of the Rangers Supporters Association, said: “There are concerns about it, in that no-one, neither the Scottish Government nor the police can come out with a definitive list of songs.

“There’s some that are common sense. You make no reference to the Pope, or no glorifying of the IRA – any decent-minded supporter would back that. But there’s also a grey area.”

A Rangers Supporters Trust spokesman added: “No-one wants to defend sectarianism, racism or homophobia.

“This legislation does not tackle that, it criminalises normal football rivalry.”

Other banners at Ibrox read: “Football fans not criminals,” and “Undefinable laws.”

They were taken down in the second half. One steward was allegedly assaulted and a fan was arrested and has since been charged. It is understood some fans holding banners left the ground in protest at the arrest.

While Rangers and Celtic fans have found a common cause in their opposition to the bill, there are fears that, if passed, it could create further division.

Dr Stuart Waiton, lecturer in sociology at Abertay University, said: “The new legislation encourages all fans to tell tales on one another. It encourages them to play the offended card.”

Other clubs’ fans are also concerned about the legislation.

Mike Riley, chairman of the Hibs Supporters Club, said: “It’s a very delicate situation. It looks to me as though the law is going to be too tough, too strong.”

Gordon Duncan, of the Aberdeen Supporters Trust, said: “There are concerns about what would be offensive and what would not.”

Rangers Football Club gave the legislation qualified support. A spokeswoman said: “The club is broadly supportive of government efforts to tackle offensive behaviour.”

A government spokeswoman said: “Sectarianism and other offensive behaviour will not be tolerated in modern Scotland.”