Prosecution team to deal with football violence

Solicitor general Lesley Thomson QC said football liaison prosecutors will work with police to tackle disorder at matches.

Three people will be appointed, in the north, east and west of Scotland, after a pilot is conducted in Glasgow.

They will support the police in cases of football hooliganism and when securing football banning orders for the worst offenders. They will share their knowledge to help police put a strong case forward for a court to grant a banning order, and raise awareness of the orders with procurators fiscal.

Ms Thomson said: "Disorderly conduct and violence at football matches, particularly between rival fans, will not be tolerated. Any conduct of this nature will be robustly investigated and the perpetrators dealt with accordingly.

"This team of dedicated specialists will work with the police to take whatever measures are necessary to protect genuine fans from criminal behaviour while attending football matches.

"Attending a football match can and should be a fantastic experience, and we are determined to ensure that the joy of the event is not marred by the bad behaviour of a small minority of people."

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "This is another positive step in making football a safer and more enjoyable environment for all.

"The Scottish Government is working closely with justice partners to reduce football-related disorder and the appointment of football liaison prosecutors by the solicitor general will help to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

"Earlier this week I visited the new football co-ordination unit at Govan police station and it is clear that more than ever is being done to identify the thugs who ruin other people's experience of attending a football match by causing bother."