Hate crime thugs who post on social media could be collared weeks after Old Firm

[ian1964 10,595]

OLD Firm fans will be collared by police for posting racist and sectarian content on social media even WEEKS after Sunday’s clash, the city’s top cop has warned.

In the wake of incidents involving Celtic and Rangers players after recent meetings, the force vowed to crackdown on hate crime as the sides prepare to meet for The Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty said: “We have a zero tolerance approach when it comes to any form of hate crime. Whether that be sectarianism or any other type of hate crime. It doesn’t matter who is targeted with that, we will absolutely investigate that robustly.”

He added: “We may not decide to go and act immediately in the interests of public safety but we will carry out retrospective investigations. We have been very successful at that in the past.”

Last month, a video circulated on social media allegedly showing Rangers star Russell Martin being hit with vile sectarian abuse while shopping in a Glasgow supermarket.

After the incident, he said: “It’s disappointing, but it’s not indicative of the people up here or what I have found at all. It’s a really small minority, and we move on.”

Alleged racist abuse aimed at Celtic star Scott Sinclair has also been investigated in the past after messages appeared on the social media platform Twitter.

Police Scotland cops and specialist units including armed officers will be out in force for a weekend of football action, which also includes Motherwell v Aberdeen on Saturday, at Hampden Park in the city’s Southside.

Top of their agenda will be clamping down on the pyro louts who endanger other supporters lives by setting off the dangerous devices during football games.

Chief Superintendent McInulty said: “We are seeing more and more people using pyrotechnics. It is an emerging trend not only in Scotland but across world football.

“I can’t emphasise enough how dangerous these pyrotechnics are - the heat that they generate, the fumes that come off them and the sound that emanates from them all present significant safety issues to the people round about them including those that are carrying them.”

He added: “The people who are using these pyrotechnics are showing a complete disregard for public safety.

“I would appeal to any reasonably minded football supporter who comes across one of these - don’t bring it to game. Dispose of it safely.

“If you do see someone with one of these or you are concerned, please report that to one of the officers or stewards - and we will deal with that.”

He then warned that although people may not be arrested at the match immediately after setting one of the pyrotechnics off - the law will eventually catch up with them.

He said: “We will consider public safety in everything that we do so we might not arrest people there and them.

“It maybe that we will carry out retrospective investigations and we have done that.

“So the last game between Rangers and Celtic for example we have made a number of arrests in relation to people with pyrotechnics and those investigations continue.”

He added: “So please let’s not ruin the games over the course of the weekend by copromising safety.”

More than 50,000 fans will watch the clashes at the national stadium while thousands more will be heading to bars and clubs across the country.

As a result of this Police Scotland said licensing and domestic abuse are key elements of the wider policing operation. It is well known that alcohol leads to increased levels of violence and disorder, and the many people having a drink whilst watching the match are urged to drink responsibly.

Chief Superintendent McInulty said: “Although the kick off time for the second semi between Celtic and Rangers is slightly later than has been normal, this should not mean that those planning to attend should think they have more time to consume alcohol to excess. Put simply, if you are drunk and attempting to enter the stadium, you will not be permitted and you will miss the game.

“Those who plan to come to the games, intent on causing trouble and ruining the day, need to know they won’t get away with it. Don’t think you’ve escaped because you’re not arrested on the day because retrospective investigations will be conducted and trouble makers will be identified and arrested. This is something we’ve done numerous times in the past with great success.

 

“Fans need to remember the consequences can be far reaching. You could find yourself the subject of a football banning order, meaning you won’t get to attend any of the other games planned for this season. Let’s ensure this match is memorable for the right reasons.”

Cops warn:

•Drinking alcohol on the streets or in a public place in Glasgow is an offence

•Drinking alcohol on public transport, including buses and trains is not permitted

•It is an offence to be in possession of alcohol or be drunk aboard a coach or mini-bus travelling to a sporting event. Officers will be conducting spot checks to enforce this.

•You cannot bring, or attempt to bring alcohol into the stadium – don’t miss a memorable match because you have drunk too much and don’t get in

•It is illegal to attempt to enter the stadium in possession of pyrotechnic devices, such as flares, smoke bombs, etc.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/16159313.Hate_crime_thugs_who_post_on_social_media_could_be_collared_weeks_after_Old_Firm/

[Gonzo79 14,260]

I love a bit of scare-mongering right before a derby.  

 

 

[aweebluesoandso 290]

I wonder if that includes the glorification banner displays and social social media promotion, of banned Irish terrorist groups?

 

Doubt it as we know the police turn a blind eye and deal with their terrorism glorification, under a double standard ruling.

[ian1964 10,595]

Two young Rangers fans have been bottled! pyro thrown into Rangers fans causing a young Rangers fan to temporary lose his hearing! effigies hung and hun banners...........................NO ARRESTS!

[pete 2,499]

Armed Police at a football game can it get any worse. I understand that may be for a terrorist attack but did they need to add that in a piece over supporters behaviour.

[ian1964 10,595]

[Bill 13,717]

The police in this country have lost the plot altogether. If they spent less time behind computers scrutinising social media (as thousands of officers now do across the UK) they might have more resources and more time to address real crime. I used to be 100% behind our police but they've lost almost all credibility and my support with it.

[Gonzo79 14,260]

To be fair, Bill, most British based Jihadis are indoctrinated via online sources.  But I do agree with your point and there is a clear difference between plotting terrorism and calling Neil Lennon a name.

 

It's a football match, not a coffee morning.

[aweebluesoandso 290]

double post

Edited April 14, 2018 by aweebluesoandso
double post

[aweebluesoandso 290]

3 minutes ago, aweebluesoandso said:

Tom English at the BBC should be the first person charge this weekend under these bigotry guidelines.  He attacked Lindsey Sharp at the Common Wealth Games for not giving an interview post her competition result. He instigated and allowed a tirade of pure bigotry to be unleashed against Lindsey, from his hater followers on twitter. He encourages and stokes a hate campaign on her and should be interviewed by the police, also the BBC should be looking at his behaviour.

 

Edited April 14, 2018 by aweebluesoandso