A recent poll has revealed that 91% of Scottish people would like to see stronger action being taken against sectarianism and offensive behaviour associated with football.
The full results of the poll show that:
- 89% of Scots agree that sectarianism is offensive.
- 89% of Scots agree that sectarianism is unacceptable in Scottish football.
- 85% of Scots agree that sectarianism should be a criminal offence.
- 91% agree that stronger action needs to be taken to tackle sectarianism and offensive behaviour associated with football in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is proposing to introduce new legislation to crack down on offensive and threatening behaviour in Scottish football. If approved, the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill will mean anyone who carries out offensive behaviour in and around football or makes threatening communications will face up to five years in prison upon conviction, and the possibility of a football banning order.
The Government intends to have the Bill passed by end of the year. It will then need to obtain Royal Assent before coming into force following a commencement order.
