UEFA racism protocol model could help Scotland tackle sectarianism
Anti-sectarianism charity Nil by Mouth say Scottish footballing authorities must act now
Last updated 15th Oct 2019
There are calls for UEFA's three-step racism protocol - used for the first time in Monday's match between England and Bulgaria - to be tried out at games in Scotland to tackle sectarianism.
The Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia was stopped twice after English players were subjected to racist abuse, including monkey chants and Nazi salutes.
Stage three of the protocol would have been to abandon the match, with Dave Scott from anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth saying these actions could be useful in Scotland:
“The events of Monday night were thoroughly depressing for anyone that loves football and loves it for being a sport that is open and available to anybody.
“UEFA are right to act to try and tackle this type of behaviour and it really is a sorry reflection that the SPFL’s own three-rule protocol is see nothing, hear nothing, do nothing.
“We have to change that and we have to tackle the sectarianism we see in grounds right across Scotland and we need to do it now.
“Tannoy announcements, players being taken off the pitch and sadly even having to close sections of the ground will all have to be viable options unless Scotland can break this depressing cycle of sectarianism in and around its grounds".
Step one of the protocol took place 28 minutes in with play being stopped a stadium announcement condemning the behaviour of the Bulgaria supporters, stating the game would be abandoned if it continued.
The match was once again halted before restarting after England boss Gareth Southgate had discussions with the referee.
The third step of the protocol would have been for the match to be abandoned, but the Three Lions players chose to play on and went on to secure a 6-0 win.
A SPFL spokesperson said: "The SPFL condemns all forms of unacceptable conduct at SPFL matches. We are working closely with our member clubs and partners, including Scottish Government, the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to address unacceptable conduct in its various forms"