The Scottish Government has unveiled plans that could see football fans banned from matches for up to a decade if they are found to have committed online abuse.
Major Shake-Up for Football Banning Orders
SNP ministers are launching a consultation today proposing significant changes to current legislation. The reforms aim to extend the use of football banning orders (FBOs), which were first introduced in 2006, to address modern challenges in the game.
The consultation will specifically examine whether FBOs could serve as an effective deterrent against a range of issues. These include racist and threatening behaviour on social media directed at players, the misuse of pyrotechnics like flares at grounds, and other emerging forms of disorder.
Powers, Penalties, and Police Concerns
Under the proposed changes, individuals found guilty of subjecting players to online abuse could face being banned from every football stadium in the UK for up to ten years. This would be in addition to any other criminal convictions for their behaviour.
Currently, an FBO can only be issued if a crime relates to violence or disorder at or around a match. Police can apply to a sheriff court for an order, or a court can issue one instead of, or in addition to, another sentence. Breaching an FBO can lead to a fine and imprisonment for up to six months.
However, concerns have been raised about the practical implications. Scottish Tory community safety spokesman Sharon Dowey highlighted the strain on resources, stating: "Overstretched police officers don’t have the resources to tackle issues including the misuse of pyrotechnics and online abuse." She warned the consultation must not become a "costly talking shop."
Updating Legislation for the Modern Game
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown explained the rationale behind the review. "Legislation governing FBOs was introduced in 2006, when the use of flares at matches and harmful social media behaviour associated with the game were much less common," she said.
The government is now seeking public opinion on whether the law needs to change so FBOs can be used more widely for pyrotechnics possession and misuse, as well as for online offences.
This move has drawn support from figures within football security. Alan Marshall of the Football Safety Officers Association Scotland said, "FBOs are an important tool in helping prevent disorder...it is appropriate that the legislation is reviewed to reflect modern realities."
The proposals have, however, sparked a wider debate. The SNP government has previously faced criticism over measures perceived by some as attacks on freedom of speech, such as hate crime laws and buffer zones around abortion clinics.
