Football banning orders expanded to tackle pitch invasions

The use of football banning orders is to be extended to cover behaviour including pitch invasions and the use of pyrotechnics.

High-profile games including the Old Firm derby and Celtic’s title showdown with Hearts were marred last season by fans coming onto the pitch.

Now the Scottish Government has said that FBOs – court orders which restricts a person’s ability to attend matches which were first introduced 20 years ago – are to be extended to include specific behaviour such as pitch invasions, the use of pyrotechnics and the throwing of missiles.

It comes as the government published analysis of a recent consultation on FBO legislation, which received more than 900 responses including from fans, the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland.

Nearly a quarter of those who responded felt the setting off of pyrotechnics had got worse during the last decade.

However, while 41 per cent of respondents felt FBOs are a suitable punishment for a football-related offence, more than three-quarters of those responding indicated their use should not be extended.

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.”