No action to be taken by SPFL over Old Firm sectarian songs and banner

[pete 2,499]

No action to be taken by SPFL over Old Firm sectarian songs and banner

Celtic banner Old Firm February 2015 Celtic and Rangers met at Hampden in the semi-final of the League Cup.SNS Group

 

The SPFL has confirmed that it will take no action over the singing of offensive songs and the display of a banner at the League Cup semi-final between Rangers and Celtic.

 

The match at Hampden was marred by the singing of sectarian songs that were predominantly, but not exclusively, heard in the Rangers end.

 

Celtic fans unfurled a banner inside the stadium satirising the First World War's Ode of Remembrance, with flares also set off.

 

The SPFL did not act at the time of the game, saying that they were awaiting reports from the safety officer and match commander before deciding their next course of action.

 

Now the league body has said that both clubs took the precautions that were expected ahead of the game and could not be held liable for the events at Hampden.

 

A spokesman for the SPFL told STV: "Official reports from the match are still awaited. However, it is clear from information already received that ‎all parties prepared properly and thoroughly for the match and, to date, we have not seen any evidence of any breach of SPFL Rules by either club."

 

The SPFL has rules covering unacceptable conduct "at a stadium on the occasion of an official match".

 

Onus is placed on both clubs to "ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that its supporters do not engage in unacceptable conduct".

 

The SPFL considers whether any club accused of breaching the rule took the necessary steps to try and prevent such behaviour. If it is determined they did, action is unlikely to be taken.

 

Guidance is issued to SPFL clubs outlining what steps they should take to try and act in a pre-emptive manner towards any unacceptable conduct.

 

Amongst the 21 points covered include taking "all reasonably practicable steps, including in consultation with local police, to identify those who engage in unacceptable conduct" and applying "a proportionate sanction against a supporter who engages in unacceptable conduct and who has been, or is reasonably capable of being identified."

 

So much for everyone being searched for flags.

[MoodyBlue 0]

At the end of the day, both sets of fans should be able to sing what they want.

 

It's banter back and forth - let it flow.