A host of new measures to tackle violence enveloping Scotland’s Old Firm matches has been announced following a summit on football-related disorder.
Action is to be taken to curb drinking before and after games and a dedicated football intelligence unit could be set up after government ministers, police and representatives from Glasgow’s Celtic and Rangers met to discuss the problem.
The meeting in Edinburgh followed the ill-tempered Scottish Cup clash between the two clubs. During and in the aftermath of the match, 34 supporters were arrested at Celtic Park and three Rangers players were red-carded, while management duo Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist were involved in an angry confrontation.
Away from the stadium, police figures show that violent crime and disorder often more than doubles on days when Old Firm matches are played.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said the parties at the summit had agreed a range of measures to address violence in football, including pre-match briefings by police at Old Firm matches. These would see officers outline players’ legal responsibilities during the game and offences that could lead to legal action.
Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House did not rule out the possibility of arresting players on the pitch if they committed a crime, but said this would be as “an absolute last resort”. An extension of Football Banning Orders was agreed which would see them include those who commit domestic abuse, in order to address the surge in incidents that occur after matches.
The groups will also look into the scheduling of fixtures with the aim of minimising damage and disruption to communities. More than £500,000 is to be invested by the Scottish Government in tackling sectarianism and a commitment was made to tackle online offenders. A joint action group is being set up to develop concrete proposals which will report to ministers before the start of the new season.
Mr House said: “We have always acknowledged that we are not here today because of a problem caused by the clubs. “We all know that there are wider, societal issues at play and I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government have recognised this and hosted these discussions today.”
In a statement issued following the summit, Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: “As a club we strive to set the best standards possible and will continue to do so.
“There are undoubtedly major issues for society in Scotland and with the best will in the world they cannot be blamed on a football club or cured by a football club. We will do everything we can to help.”
His Celtic counterpart Peter Lawwell said: “Celtic Football Club is recognised throughout the world as having the highest standards and we aim at all times to live up to these standards.
“While many of the issues surrounding the Celtic v Rangers fixture have been blamed on the clubs, clearly there are a number of societal issues which need to be addressed.
“Celtic has and will continue to address these.”
All parties recognised that it was too late to reschedule the next Old Firm clash, the Scottish League Cup final which is due to take place on Sunday March 20.