A hard-hitting report into the March 8 shame game by security expert Mark Blackbourne has demanded a major shake-up to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes. The review points out that “the current sanctions framework holds individuals accountable but largely insulates clubs from the consequences of their supporters’ behaviour”, saying this provides “insufficient motivation” to curb the problem.
Stronger sanctions and stadium closures
There is a call for stronger sanctions, including stadium and stand closures, suggesting the SFA “has the disciplinary powers to act more severely than they have done but have chosen not to use them”, with the governing body described as “too modest and too inconsistent”.
Other key recommendations include clubs taking more accountability for supporter behaviour and that section closure, not ticket reduction, should be the standard first-response for confirmed unacceptable conduct. An escalating tariff of sanctions should be introduced, based on a rolling 3-year period, that includes section or stadium closure, published in advance with no discretion allowed.
Ultra groups and safety measures
Where incidents are linked to Ultra groups, clubs must formally sanction those groups as a condition of continued stadium access. Failure to act should itself constitute a breach of rules regarding unacceptable conduct. The Scottish FA should lead consideration of the establishment of a Joint Safety and Security (JSS) body to oversee governance of safety and security across Scottish football. The SFA should also appoint an Executive Head of Safety and Security for Scottish football to implement new safety measures.
Operators transporting supporters to designated matches must register with Police Scotland, providing company name, registration numbers, driver details and passenger numbers. Non-registration exposes operators to criminal liability. Football Banning Orders should be brought in for pyrotechnics and tailgating - a specific offence for gaining entry using another person’s ticket - face coverings and pitch incursions.
Enhanced security and fan environment
Extended netting to prevent objects thrown between sections is recommended, with netting on the front three rows of the away and ultra sections to deter pitch incursions and allow a permanent trackside police/steward presence. Ultra-groups and commercial interests must not override safety. Host clubs must provide a genuinely welcoming away environment. Pre-match music playlists should be actively managed at high-risk fixtures, and club mascots must not antagonise the away support.
Clubs must brief all players, in relevant languages, on the safety and legal consequences of celebratory conduct directed at supporter sections. Increased use of digital away ticketing and more visual ticket differentiation should be introduced between major fixtures where paper tickets remain in use to reduce forgery risk.
