An Evaluation of Football Banning Orders in Scotland
This report presents the findings of an evaluation into the use of football banning order (FBO) legislation in Scotland.
[1] Though, it should be acknowledged, that incidents of domestic violence and indeed knife crime can, on occasion, be football-related.
[2] For example one respondent argued that an incident of disorder that might be perceived as an 'accepted' (if undesirable) aspect of a match at a large, city club, may stand out as more threatening and unacceptable within the context of a smaller rural match.
[4] This term is now widely used and understood to imply an individual who has a history of engaging, or seeking to engage, in football related violence or disorder, principally organised disorder.
[5] A description of the UKPFU's remit and duties can be found here http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/justice2/inquiries/ppo/PB16%20UK%20Football%20Policing%20Unit.pdf
[6] 'The Green Brigade', an Ultras group at Celtic, have trod a careful line in terms of engaging in provocations that whilst technically not sectarian, are arguably drawn from - and further stoke - sectarian rivalries and tensions. For instance, their display in 2010 of a banner depicting, rival club Rangers, Ibrox stadium burning, with the slogan 'let's go to war,' was perceived by most respondents here as sectarian both in nature and intent. Some respondents however retained the view that the group's provocations were 'political' and not sectarian.
[7] The five forces where complete figures were available were Strathclyde, Northern, Tayside, Fife, and Dumfries and Galloway. Two key omissions was one force (Lothian and Borders), and one police body (British Transport Police), that historically have struggled to secure FBOs (though British Transport Police have enjoyed more success of late). Whilst, we would still see an increase in overall application successes even with the inclusion of these forces, the rate of improvement would be lower.
[8] The difference between these groups may have been smaller still if one could control for the fact that most non- FBO recipients would have received bail conditions that would have been largely identical to the conditions contained in an FBO (e.g. being banned from attending regulated football matches). These, albeit shorter bans, may have had some long-term deterrent effect on non- FBO recipients.
[10] This assumption that other fans expect such language - and would not be offended by it - was strongly disputed by other respondents in this research.
[11] Non-league, Scottish and European clubs may have supporters that are banned as a result of Cup play, preseason matches, and European competitions that take place in England
[12] A Section 14J application can be made after a failure to comply with the requirements of a previous order.
[13] A Section 21B order is a notice made in writing to inform the recipient that an application has been made.
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