Football Anti-Bigotry Law To Stay
Research shows overwhelming public support for measures to crackdown on sectarianism at games.
EXCLUSIVE by Political Editor Colin Mackay
Clyde News can reveal the Scottish Government is sticking with laws tackling offensive behaviour at football matches.
Following a two year review of the legislation Ministers say it is cutting bigoted behaviour at games.
The Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communication Act was brought in after summit of police, prosecutors, politicians and football clubs a Scottish Cup replay in March 2011 which saw then Rangers' Ally McCoist and Celtic’s Neil Lennon square up to each other after the final whistle.
There were also 34 arrests in the stands at Celtic Park that night.
Although the law has been controversial among a section of Old Firm fans research by Stirling University and Yougov suggests 80 per-cent of Scots back the legislation with three quarters of fans finding songs and chants attacking people’s religious backgrounds offensive.
Community Safety Minister Paul Wheelhouse says it is acting as a deterrent and all that means the legislation is here to stay.