Scottish Catholic Observer

New figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that 90 per cent of Scots support tougher action against sectarianism.

Results of the Scottish Government poll, which also highlighted that 11 per cent of people do not believe sectarianism is unacceptable in Scottish football, arrive as the Scottish Parliament prepares to look again at the Offensive Behaviour in Football and Threatening Communications Bill. The bill aims to crack down on offensive and threatening behaviour relating to football by proposing the implementation of jail sentences of up to five years for those convicted of carrying out offensive behaviour in and around matches or making threatening communications.

The new measures were first proposed earlier this year during a football season which saw trouble erupt at Celtic vs Rangers football matches; threats made on the lives of Celtic FC manager Neil Lennon and two high profile supporters of the club and an incident in which Mr Lennon was attacked by a fan during a match against Hearts FC at their Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh.

The timetable for the new bill was delayed by six months after concerns were raised, including those of the Catholic Church, that it was being rushed through parliament. During this time, the alleged sectarian attack of Mr Lennon at Tynecastle was ‘not proven’ but the attacker was found guilty of a breach of the peace.

The bill is, however, due to go before parliament once again and Roseanna Cunningham (above), Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, said that ‘sectarianism has no place in a modern Scotland’ and that the recent poll results show that ‘the Scottish public have had enough of it.’

“Sectarianism has huge consequences for individuals who are threatened, major consequences for communities, and it undermines the very fabric of a Scotland that we want to be tolerant, respectful and forward looking,” Ms Cunningham said.

Both Celtic and Rangers football clubs have, however, said that the new legislation may not be necessary.

In written submissions to the Scottish Parliament, Celtic said that the new laws may criminalise innocent fans, while Rangers expressed concern that a lack of clarity may clog up the courts.

Two men are to stand trial later this year accused of a plot to kill Mr Lennon, Paul McBride QC and former MSP Trish Godman. Trevor Muirhead and Neil McKenzie entered not guilty pleas at the High Court in Glasgow today, and a trial date was set for November 21.

During a preliminary hearing, the court heard how Mr Muirhead and Mr McKenzie are alleged to have planned to ‘assault and murder’ their intended victims between March 1 and April 15 this year as part of a sectarian conspiracy.