Football Banning Orders are set to be strengthened in Scotland in a targeted crackdown on pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and the throwing of missiles.
Ministers will introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament in an effort to clamp down on the issues at football stadia following a consultation on FBO legislation.
Currently, an FBO is available to the courts when three factors are present: a person is convicted of an offence which involved the person engaging in ‘violence or disorder’; the offence was related to a football match; and the court considers that making an FBO would help prevent ‘violence or disorder’ at or in connection with football matches.
However, courts are now set to be given tougher powers to "improve the matchday experience and safety at games" by including specific offences within the FBO remit.
A Scottish Government update on the increased FBO powers revealed the plans come after 903 responses to the consultation, with the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland involved and supporting the "extension of the use of FBOs".
The "majority" of fans who responded to the consultation "expressed concerns" about expanding the use of FBOs. But, there were also concerns around a rise in the use of pyro and serious incidences of "inappropriate behaviour".
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Community safety minister Kirsten Oswald said: “The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs. However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour.
“Recent high-profile incidents involving pitch invasions and the continued use of pyrotechnics demonstrate the challenges the police, football authorities and clubs face and have to deal with. This is why we will give courts more effective powers through Football Banning Orders to target dangerous and abusive behaviour.
“Football is our national sport, and we want to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that is what we aim to achieve by introducing legislation.”
An SPFL spokesperson said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s proposals to strengthen this legislation.
“The specific targeting of offences such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and the throwing of missiles will help improve the safety of players, staff and supporters.
“While these incidents involve only a small minority of supporters, such behaviour puts everyone at risk and has no place in Scottish football.
"We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Govenrment and other partners as this legislation progresses."
