New Powers for Courts to Tackle Stadium Disorder
The Scottish government has announced plans to give courts tougher powers to impose football banning orders (FBOs), targeting offences such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions, and missile throwing. The move follows a consultation that drew more than 900 responses, with backing from football bodies and Police Scotland.
Community safety minister Kirsten Oswald said recent high-profile incidents highlighted the challenges faced by police, clubs, and authorities. "The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs," she said. "However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour."
High-Profile Incidents Prompt Action
The Scottish Premiership title decider between Celtic and Hearts in May was marred by a large-scale pitch invasion at full-time. Celtic apologised after fans ran onto the pitch following their 3-1 win, with Hearts players describing the atmosphere as "menacing and threatening". Celtic were later fined £7,500 and given a suspended ticket ban.
Other clubs faced sanctions too: Motherwell, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Stenhousemuir, and Hamilton Academical all received fines or suspended crowd reductions for pitch incursions. An Old Firm Scottish Cup tie in March also saw fans clash on the pitch, resulting in injuries to supporters and police officers.
Consultation and Support
The government's consultation received widespread backing from the SPFL, Police Scotland, and other stakeholders. An SPFL spokesman said: "The specific targeting of offences such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and the throwing of missiles will help improve the safety of players, staff and supporters."
However, some supporters' groups raised concerns, disputing claims that behaviour in stadiums is worsening and warning against the expansion of banning orders without proper safeguards.
How Banning Orders Work
Introduced in 2006, FBOs allow courts to restrict a convicted individual's ability to attend any football match in the UK. Their use has declined in recent years: figures show just five FBOs were issued between August 2024 and February 2025, down from 37 in 2023/24 and 59 in 2022/23.
The new legislation will embed specific offences into the framework, making it easier for courts to impose bans for pyro use, pitch invasions, and missile throwing. The Scottish government will now work with partners as the bill progresses.
Key Takeaways
- Scottish courts will get stronger powers to impose football banning orders for specific offences.
- The crackdown targets pyrotechnics, pitch invasions, and throwing missiles following a series of high-profile incidents.
- The SPFL and Police Scotland support the move, but some fan groups have raised concerns.
- Only a small number of banning orders have been issued in recent years despite a perceived rise in disorder.
- The legislation aims to protect players, staff, and the vast majority of law-abiding fans.
Quick Facts
Announcement: Scottish government plans to strengthen FBO powers
Target Offences: Pyrotechnic use, pitch invasions, missile throwing
Consultation Responses: Over 900
FBOs Issued (Aug 2024-Feb 2025): 5
Source: BBC Sport