Football clubs should be docked points or suffer partial stadium closures to prevent disorder during celebrations, according to a Glasgow MSP.
John Mason, Shettleston SNP MSP, called for football clubs to take responsibility for their fans' behaviour following tens of thousands of Celtic fans gathering at Glasgow Cross on Saturday.
Mason said he was in the area on Saturday evening and witnessed “unacceptable” behaviour.
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He raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Scottish Government community safety minister Siobhan Brown.
Mason said: “I, myself, walked in the area at 6.30pm on Saturday."
He said there were “People urinating in pends and closes and residents afraid to leave their homes”.
The MSP added: “Clubs need to get more involved in taking responsibility for their fans, perhaps organising fan zones and perhaps strict liability including things like partial stadium closures, points deductions and fines as happens in Europe should be considered.”
He asked the minister if she could give a “reassurance the clubs will take responsibility this coming Saturday for their fans’ behaviour”.
The minister said strict liability was not off the table but that it was considered for incidents inside stadiums.
She added: “However, our preferred solution has always been the footballing authorities themselves proactively shape and deliver a robust and meaningful solution to any unacceptable conduct by what is a minority of supporters.”
She said she understands Glasgow City Council has had discussions with clubs to discuss organised celebrations.
She added: “I fully encourage such dialogue between football clubs and local authorities about consulting safe events for their fans which minimise the impact on their communities.”
Responding to incidents that occurred during the fans gathering on Saturday, Brown said: “The Scottish Government condemns the incidents of violence, vandalism and anti-social behaviour that took place in Glasgow on Saturday.
“Any threat to public safety and any damage caused by the disorder is just not acceptable.”
She added: “Whilst the vast majority of fans are well-behaved, it is clear when a minority is not there are wide-ranging implications.
“Governing bodies and individual clubs must consider what measures they can take and how they can use their influence to help tackle misconduct.”
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