As the Scottish football season closes, the authorities say that next season they will target those who disrupt train journeys and will seek Football Banning Orders (FBOs) in reports submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
After consultation with rail operators and others, British Transport Police (BTP) says that it will focus on applying for FBOs in all cases where they are appropriate as well as to run joint operations targeting football-related disorder. In ths 2013-4 season, BTP in Scotland has recorded 50 football-related incidents – often fuelled by excessive alcohol – of anti-social, offensive and often sectarian behaviour by supporters travelling to and from matches by the train.
BTP Temporary Chief Superintendent McBride said: “Some so-called football supporters need to realise that indulging in any anti-social behaviour or offensive behaviour, including singing and chanting songs of a sectarian nature, is just not acceptable. BTP will use all means at its disposal to get that message across and Football Banning Orders are an extremely effective tool we can utilise.
“We will continue to work closely with train operators, Police Scotland and FoCUS as well as with Prosecutors to ensure that all passengers and rail staff can travel without disruption. Our intelligence-led approach to policing football matches means officers are aware of previously problematic fixtures and services and will ensure they are policed appropriately.”
ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: “The vast majority of football fans who travel on our trains are a credit to their clubs, but unfortunately a small minority have acted in an unacceptable manner this season. ScotRail takes a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and we welcome the British Transport Police’s commitment to take further action against any football fans that continue to cause problems next season.”
And Faith Millar Football, specialist Football Liaison Prosecutor with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “While the vast majority of supporters who travel to and from the matches are well behaved and good natured, there continues to be a bigoted and undesirable element intent on indulging in football related violence and disorder. People have the right to go about their lives and to use public transport without fear of being subjected to violence and abuse from travelling football fans. It is essential that we ensure that the selfish acts of a minority do not spoil the experience for those passengers and the majority of genuine football fans.
“Working with the Police and other justice partners COPFS is committed to tackling football related disorder whether it takes place at the ground or travelling to or from it.”
Lyndsey Nelson, Football Banning Orders Manager at Police Scotland, said: “Football Banning Orders can only be sought if it can be shown the offence is football related. It is always going to be harder to prove that element when the offence is committed out with a football stadium. The Scottish Football Banning Order Authority continues to support and work very closely with BTP colleagues to ensure the highest quality cases are presented, ultimately assisting with the removal of the worst offenders from the Scottish Football environment.”
