Offensive behaviour at football law comes into effect
The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 came into force last week designed to stamp out offensive and religious hatred at football.
The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 came into force last week designed to stamp out offensive and religious hatred at football.
The legislation is a response to calls from Scotlands police and prosecutors to give them additional tools to crack down on sectarian songs and abuse at and around football matches and threats posted on the internet or by mail.
The Act creates two new distinct offences, punishable through a range of penalties up to a maximum five-year prison sentence and an unlimited fine.
The first offence targets hateful, threatening or otherwise offensive behaviour expressed at and around football matches which is likely to cause public disorder, while the second offence relates to the communication of threats of serious harm or which are intended to stir up religious hatred, whether sent by post or posted on the internet.
Roseanna Cunningham, minister for community safety and legal affairs, said: This legislation will have no impact on the banter and passionate support that goes hand in hand with supporting football teams. It is not about discouraging the competition and rivalry that is the lifeblood of football, it is about eradicating sectarianism and other unacceptable expressions of hate from our national game.
She added that the majority of Scottish people 91 per cent supported tougher action to tackle sectarianism.