Scottish football could be clobbered with strict liability as the government clamps down on the Rangers title celebrations.
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf insisted that Holyrood is ready to impose the zero tolerance approach on the game’s governing bodies in a bid to force fans to toe the line.
Yousaf’s threat followed the shameful scenes in and around Glasgow’s city centre at the weekend as thousands of Ibrox fans ignored lockdown rules to congregate in George Square following their club’s trophy presentation on Saturday afternoon before violent clashes with police.
And now politicians look set to take out their anger on every club in the country.
Yousaf said: “Strict liability has to be considered, no ifs no buts. It’s clearly a matter that has to be discussed and considered.
“What I would say though, having engaged with football clubs right across the Premier League and in the lower divisions over the years, this is a significant problem but not for all clubs. Therefore, actually, most clubs shouldn’t have anything to fear when it comes to strict liability.
“So, yes, those conversations will go ahead. It’s just such a shame that it requires that stick. It shouldn’t require that stick to try to get people at football clubs into line here.
“What we want to see from Rangers football club in this instance is really hard action against those fans who engaged in the shameful scenes over the weekend. That means banning them from Ibrox for their entire lives because if that reverberates around other fans, that will probably have more impact than a court fine for example.”
Rangers condemned the behaviour of what the club described as a ‘small minority’ of its supporters as SFA president Rod Petrie branded the scenes ‘an abomination not a celebration.”
Petrie said: “The scenes witnessed in and around Glasgow’s George Square have brought embarrassment to the national game.
“Scenes that require the First Minister, Justice Secretary, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Federation to issue condemnatory statements, and images that dominated the news agenda throughout the weekend, represent an abomination not a celebration.
“Those responsible for sectarian singing, for vandalism and for inflicting physical damage may attach themselves to football but cannot be considered football fans. Police Scotland have made a number of arrests and more are expected to follow. “
Rangers said in a statement: “Sadly, a small minority of people behaved inappropriately and in a manner not reflective of our support. Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club. These so called “fans” should reflect upon the values and ethos of our club, and consider the damage this does to the reputation of the club.”
