News

The Scottish Government recently announced the creation of a new Scotland-wide police unit dedicated to tackling sectarianism and other problems at football matches, following the meeting of the joint action group (JAG) set up to consider the issue.

The First Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Sport Shona Robison, Chief Medical Officer Harry Burns and representatives from Strathclyde Police, the SFA, the SPL and Rangers and Celtic Football clubs all attended the meeting. Other measures announced in the JAG report, include:

The Scottish Government to consider introducing legislation which will allow a senior officer to apply to a court requesting the imposition of restrictions on licensed premises within an area where disorder is expected to occur

• As part of a comprehensive review of football related legislation, the Scottish Government should consider amendments to legislation relating to FBOs in order that they are used more effectively and additional provisions will be considered which will extend their use.
• The rescheduling of the 2011/12 New Year Old Firm derby to Wednesday 28th December.

Government to work with the Licence Trade to develop new local strategies for promoting responsible drinking and safer communities with retailers prior to key football games.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1124/0119254.pdf