disgruntled_bear Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 MSPs last night backed moves to close a loophole allowing football fans banned from grounds in England to attend matches in Scotland. Pressure for action intensified after rioting involving Rangers fans at last season's UEFA Cup final between the Glasgow club and Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester. Banning orders issued in Scotland are enforceable in England and Wales, but the reverse is not the case. This prompted fears that fans who received banning orders as a result of court action south of the Border could still attend future matches in Scotland. However, measures are to be included in the Police and Crime Reduction Bill, which is currently going through the Commons. It comes after close work to address the problem between Scottish Government officials and their counterparts in the Home Office and Scotland Office. And MSPs at Holyrood last night agreed to allow Westminster to legislate in areas the bill covers where Scottish ministers have power. Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary, wrote to Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, pressing for urgent action after the trouble involving the Rangers fans. "We need to send a strong message to the thugs and hooligans that it won't be tolerated. Their behaviour is unacceptable in our towns and cities," Mr MacAskill said at the time. http://news.scotsman.com/uk/English-bans-o...-set.5040064.jp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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