Tag: SPFL

Tackling pyrotechnic misuse at football

Expert group to consider current legislation

The law surrounding the misuse of pyrotechnics at football will be the focus of a new short-life working group set up by the Scottish Government. 

The group will consider the evidence on, and possible barriers to, the use of Football Banning Orders as a penalty for pyrotechnic possession and misuse.

It is already a criminal offence to take or try to take a pyrotechnic into football matches, while carrying pyrotechnics in public without a reasonable excuse was recently made an offence through the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. The Act gives police powers to stop and search someone where they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person may be in possession of a pyrotechnic in a public place.

Football Banning Orders (FBOs) can be imposed by a Court for up to ten years for violent offences at matches, which could include throwing a lit pyrotechnic as a weapon. The working group will consider if extending the scope of FBOs would be an effective way to further deter the carrying and misuse of pyrotechnics at football.  

The expert working group includes representation from the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and Scottish Football Association, Football Safety Officers Association, Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and is expected to report next year.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of a football match without the fear of serious injury from pyrotechnics.

“We have considerably strengthened pyrotechnic laws, and those who carry fireworks and pyrotechnics in public and into football stadia can face fines and up to six months in prison. Despite this, pyrotechnic misuse at football matches remains an issue.

“We have been working closely with football’s governing authorities and with police on what more can be done to stop this antisocial and dangerous behaviour at football matches.

“Football Banning Orders of up to 10 years, are already an effective measure courts have at their disposal to deal with violent behaviour and I have asked this working group to consider whether extending their reach would be a further deterrent to pyrotechnic possession and misuse.

“Consisting of representatives from football and the justice sector, their review will also take views from clubs, fan groups, as well as front-line services.” 

Calum Beattie Chief Operating Officer of the SPFL, said: “The dangers of pyrotechnics in crowded football stadia are significant and our clubs are keen to work with the Scottish Government, police and the courts to find meaningful ways of tackling this growing problem.

“Recent surveys have also shown that most fans believe there is no place for these devices at games. We are looking forward to playing an active role in this group to examine further how football banning orders can form part of a package of deterrence for any fans tempted to smuggle these dangerous items into grounds.”

Superintendent Chris Stewart of Police Scotland said: “The public have the right to feel safe when they attend football matches and we work with a range of partners, including the clubs, to make sure these events are safe and secure.

“We will engage with the review and support partners involved.”   

Scottish sport backs ‘Don’t be that guy’ campaign

Scottish football joins Scottish Rugby in backing Police Scotland’s That Guy sexual crime prevention campaign

The That Guy Scotland campaign is highlighting the positive role sport can play in encouraging men to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.

SPFL and Scottish Rugby are helping men join the conversation and be part of the solution:

Football fans will see the campaign featuring at the Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden this weekend, when Hibs take on Aberdeen, and Hearts face Rangers.

The Scottish Professional Football League is backing the campaign for the first time, joining long-time supporters like Scottish Rugby.

This latest phase of the award-winning That Guy campaign focuses on the positive role sport can play in influencing men’s attitudes and encouraging them to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.

Social media influencers will share advice on how men can get off the sidelines and safely challenge inappropriate banter and behaviour that makes women feel unsafe.

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Not all men are a threat to women, but all men have the opportunity to help tackle the attitudes and actions that make women feel unsafe in everyday life.

“Banter and other behaviours that are abusive or derogatory towards women can seem harmless in the changing room or on a night out with friends, but these behaviours are rooted in male entitlement, and if left untackled, could lead to offending.

“It’s up to men to take action, step in, have a word with a friend and stop sexual offending before it starts.”

Calum Beattie, chief operating officer for the SPFL, said: “Football’s position as Scotland’s national sport enables it to play a uniquely positive and influential role in society.

“A number of SPFL clubs have previously participated in ‘That Guy’ and we’re proud to lend our further support to this award-winning and important campaign.

“We look forward to helping tens of thousands of supporters to learn more about its important message during the Viaplay Cup semifinals.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said: “We’ve been proud to work with Police Scotland and host workshops for our men’s and women’s players at international, pro-team and Academy levels, where we have explored the importance of their sexual crime prevention campaign.

“We’re determined to share the drive for male allyship, whether through big screen and match programme messaging at Scotland international matches, or, our next step, through taking the campaign directly out to clubs, so that it can be shared across communities.”

This stage of Police Scotland’s That Guy campaign launched on Monday, 30 October 2023 and will run throughout November.

New content will be published on www.that-guy.co.uk and social media channels: 

Twitter/X: @ThatGuyScotland

Instagram: @thatguyscotland

Appeal following assault at Hibernian Football Club stadium

Police have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their ongoing enquiries into an assault which occurred at the Hibernian Football Club stadium at Easter Road in Edinburgh on 7 August 2022.

The man is described as white, with short dark hair and stubble wearing a dark green/brown top.

Police Constable Luke Wilson said: “Officers are keen to speak to the man in the image as they believe he will be able to assist with their enquiries.

“The man pictured or anyone who recognises him, or anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.”

In reference to a recent elease we issued regarding disorder at the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, 26 February, 2023, please note:

Ten men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Eight, aged 18, 18, 20, 21, 21, 24, 25 and 25, have been released on an undertaking.

Two, aged 43 and 21, are to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today (Thursday, 30 March, 2023).

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Enquiries are continuing.

Police Scotland supports the event organisers, being the clubs and the football authorities, to create a safe environment for people to attend and enjoy football matches.

These arrests show that such violence and disorder has no place in football and our enquiries continue in order to identify those responsible for the disorder inside and outside of Hampden at this fixture.

We are committed to working with our partners to maximise the safety of all persons attending football fixtures.

A spokesperson for the SPFL said: “We have been working closely with Police Scotland and the Scottish FA to investigate and address the unacceptable behaviour of a small minority of supporters at the recent Viaplay Cup Final.

“We are encouraged by the progress which has already been made and look forward to more of the individuals involved being identified in the near future.”

Early winter shutdown for SPFL

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has announced that the 29 December and 2/3 January cinch Premiership fixture rounds have been postponed to 17/18 January and 1/2 February respectively.

The Boxing Day cinch Premiership fixtures will go ahead as planned, including St Johnstone v Celtic, which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

cinch Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs were consulted as to whether they wished to postpone fixtures in their divisions, but they did not wish to do so.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “We have had intense and positive discussions with all cinch SPFL clubs over the past 24 hours, since the announcement by the Scottish Government of a three-week period of restrictions on fans attending matches. We have advised our clubs that any postponements increase the risk of further disruption to an already highly congested fixture calendar.

“There are mixed views amongst cinch Premiership clubs about what to do for the best. However, a majority favour the postponement of fixtures to give a chance for games scheduled to be played over the festive period to be played in front of fans, once the three-week period of restrictions comes to an end. The SPFL Board has agreed to postpone the 29 December and New Year cinch Premiership fixture cards.

“cinch Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs voted to continue playing through the Government restrictions and we look forward to their festive fixtures over the next fortnight.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sky Sports and Police Scotland for their flexibility in accommodating these changes and to all cinch SPFL clubs for their clear, positive and constructive feedback as we work together to get through the challenges posed by Covid-19.

The cinch Premiership fixtures scheduled for 29 December will move as follows:

Monday 17 January
Celtic v Hibernian (7.45pm)

Tuesday 18 January
Aberdeen v Rangers (Sky Sports, 7.45pm)
Dundee United v St Mirren (7.45pm)
Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone (7.45pm)
Livingston v Dundee (7.45pm)
Ross County v Motherwell (7.45pm)

The cinch Premiership fixtures scheduled for 2/3 January will move as follows:

Tuesday 1 February
Dundee v Dundee United (7.45pm)
Hibernian v Heart of Midlothian (Sky Sports, 7.45pm)
Livingston v St Johnstone (7.45pm)
Ross County v Aberdeen (7.45pm)
St Mirren v Motherwell (7.45pm)

Wednesday 2 February
Celtic v Rangers (Sky Sports, 7.45pm)

Note
The Celtic v Hibernian match has been scheduled for Monday 17 January due to the Hibernian v Cove Rangers Scottish Cup tie on Thursday 20 January.

Extra Time for The Changing Room health initiative

Scottish Government funding to boost men’s mental health football programme

A programme to use the power of football to help support people experiencing poor mental wellbeing, using the connection to professional football, has been enhanced by funding from Scottish Government.

The Changing Room – Extra Time has been awarded £100,000. The new programme builds on The Changing Room, an existing support service which uses football to bring men together to tackle mental health.

The Changing Room, which is funded by Movember and supported by the Scottish Professional Football League Trust (SPFL Trust), was first created in 2018 at Hibernian Football Club, and rolled out to Heart of Midlothian Football Club later that year.

Aimed at men in their middle years, the Changing Room is a 12-week programme which uses football to bring men together to tackle mental health.

Extra Time aims to give people the opportunity to speak in more depth about their mental wellbeing and to come together to explore areas which are giving them particular challenges or concerns.

The project will be delivered by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in partnership with the SPFL Trust and associated community trusts at Aberdeen (AFC Community Trust), Rangers (Rangers Charity Foundation), Heart of Midlothian (Big Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibernian Community Foundation) football clubs.

The Extra Time initiative will provide an opportunity for people to explore specific areas that often challenge them including how they view themselves, think and feel – all of which impacts on their mental wellbeing. 

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart, who launched the initiative at Pittodrie, home of Aberdeen FC, said: “Mental wellbeing has never been more important especially as we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic and I am pleased to see this programme grow and develop.

“Although the focus is on four of our biggest clubs, which are all situated in urban areas, there is significant reach within those clubs across wider Scotland. My message is simple, we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about how we are feeling. This is an excellent way to combine football to improve mental wellbeing.”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH said: “We’re delighted that the Scottish Government is funding The Changing Room – Extra Time, which will provide people with an opportunity to focus on resilience and self-care by exploring areas that often challenge them.

“It can be a struggle for many of us to talk about how we feel, and football is a really powerful way of bringing them together and encouraging them to open up.

“The Changing Room pilot projects have shown the difference the right support can make. Extra Time is a result of the value of this unique form of support being recognised not only by our pilot partners, but now also the Scottish Government and our new football club partners.

“Together, we’ve designed this expanded programme to fit the needs of people across the country, and we look forward to starting the next chapter of The Changing Room.”

SPFL Trust operations manager Fiona Taylor said: “Football has an extraordinary power to inspire people to make changes for the better. We’ve seen this with other programmes such as Football Fans in Training, and the pilot of The Changing Room at Easter Road and Tynecastle.

“The Changing Room Extra Time brings together the expertise of SAMH and our brilliant community trust partners to deliver something which we know people are looking for; interaction, safe spaces and friendship. What better place to provide this, than in the sanctuary of a club’s changing room?”

Aberdeen FC Community Trust chief executive Liz Bowie said: “We’re absolutely delighted that The Changing Room Extra Time is coming to Pittodrie, because this programme has a track record of success in supporting men to improve their mental health. We are sure that the Red Army will get right behind the project.”

SPFL Trust Trophy draw

The draws for the first and second rounds of the SPFL Trust Trophy were made yesterday:

Tournament draw 

First round – North Section

Brechin City v Buckie Thistle
Dundee B v Peterhead
East Fife v St Johnstone B
Hibernian B v Elgin City
Brora Rangers v Aberdeen B
Fraserburgh v Cowdenbeath
Forfar Athletic v Formartine United
Ross County B v Stirling Albion
Stenhousemuir v Dundee United B 

First round – South Section

Dumbarton v Rangers B
Livingston B v Albion Rovers
Edinburgh City v Heart of Midlothian B
Celtic B v Annan Athletic
Queen’s Park v Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Broomhill FC v Clyde
Falkirk v East Kilbride
St Mirren B v Kelty Hearts
Stranraer v Motherwell B 

Second round – North section

Montrose v Ross County B or Stirling Albion
Brora Rangers or Aberdeen B v Arbroath
Cove Rangers v Stenhousemuir or Dundee United B
Fraserburgh or Cowdenbeath v Alloa Athletic
Raith Rovers v Forfar Athletic or Formartine United
Hibernian B or Elgin City v Dunfermline Athletic
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Brechin City or Buckie Thistle
Dundee B or Peterhead v East Fife or St Johnstone B

Second round – South section

Airdrieonians v Queen’s Park or Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Celtic B or Annan Athletic v Morton
Hamilton Academical v Edinburgh City or Heart of Midlothian B
Dumbarton or Rangers B v Ayr United
Kilmarnock v Falkirk or East Kilbride
Stranraer or Motherwell B v Partick Thistle
Queen of the South v Broomhill FC or Clyde
Livingston B or Albion Rovers v St Mirren B or Kelty Hearts

First-round ties are scheduled for the midweek of August 10/11

Second-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of September 4/5

For the first time in an SPFL competition, a bracketed draw from round three onwards will be published today (07 July), allowing clubs to plot their potential path to the final.

Yellow card for SPFL

The SPFL has agreed to implement an urgent package of measures – and to the postponement of a limited number of Scottish Premiership fixtures – following another breach of protocols.

The decision was taken by the SPFL, following discussion with Ministers, after Celtic FC player Boli Bolingoli allegedly failed to self-isolate for the required 14 day quarantine period after returning from Spain.

The player apparently did not declare this trip to the club and continued to break the resumption of performance sport protocols by taking part in training and playing in the club’s game against Kilmarnock FC on Sunday.

This follows the earlier breach of protocol involving players from Aberdeen FC.

Matches involving Aberdeen and Celtic this midweek, and the match between the two clubs scheduled for this weekend – three games in total – will now be postponed.

In addition:

  • The SPFL has agreed to put an immediate player education programme in place to ensure no further rule breaks occur and players and staff are fully aware of their responsibilities
  • The SPFL has also agreed to put in place punitive measures that can be implemented so they can directly take action against players in the event of further rule breaches
  • The SPFL agreed to undertake promotional activity on behalf of SG – FACT branded material, etc

Minister for Sport Joe FitzPatrick said: “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes during these past months to create the protocols and testing regimes that have allowed top level professional football in Scotland to resume, without putting the public or others at unnecessary risk.

“It is up to the football authorities, clubs and individuals within those clubs to take responsibility to ensure that these protocols are followed rigorously. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, we have seen multiple  examples where that hasn’t happened.   

“This latest example indicates that the current arrangements are not working as intended, and so clearly additional steps now need to be taken to ensure that the necessity of strict compliance with the rules is fully and properly understood.”

National Clinical Director Jason Leitch said: “I share the disappointment of many fans at this setback but this is another example which unfortunately demonstrates that the current system is not working as intended and does not give me the confidence I need that the required protocols are being followed.

“The football authorities and clubs must be able to provide the Scottish Government with the confidence required that everyone involved in the sport understands the absolute necessity of adhering rigorously to the guidelines in place so that football does not present an unnecessary risk to public health more generally.”

Rod Petrie, Chair of the SPFL Joint Response Group, said: “The Joint Response Group has acted swiftly and decisively in addressing the latest concerns raised by the minister on behalf of Scottish Government.

While the decision to postpone these games is deeply regrettable nevertheless in the circumstances it is unavoidable and uncontestable.

“The JRG members were astounded to learn of the recklessness demonstrated by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo in his breach of government public health guidance and football protocols. We echo the sentiments of Celtic FC in their condemnatory statement and commend the club’s swiftness in opening a disciplinary investigation.

“That this comes on the back of eight Aberdeen players showing similar disregard for public health is disrespectful not just to every football team-mate, fellow player and colleague but also to every fan in this country. It is also hugely damaging to the image, reputation and sustainability of the game.

“We sympathise with the position this puts the Scottish Government in as the country is tentatively easing its way out of lockdown restrictions.

“We agree wholeheartedly with the unequivocal message relayed to managers and captains by the National Clinical Director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, last night. Clubs and players are in no doubt that there is now no more margin for error and no more scope for further breaches.

“Since March, the Joint Response Group has worked hand-in-hand with government advisers and medical experts to ensure a safe return for the professional game, with clubs undertaking to fulfil their obligations.

“Players must heed the warning of the First Minister that this is a yellow-card moment for Scottish football.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, added: “We have only been able to restart matches thanks to the enormous efforts and sacrifices of literally thousands of people across the Scottish game. For anyone to put that in jeopardy in such a thoughtless and selfish manner is just beyond belief.

“The vast majority of players and officials who have strictly observed the necessary restrictions will rightly see this as a real kick in the teeth.

“Everyone knows that this season’s fixture schedule is already horrendously tight without having to reschedule matches because of the irresponsible actions of a handful of players.”

Hearts going down as SPFL ends season early

The SPFL has today announced that, following consultation with all 12 top-flight clubs, the Board of the SPFL has determined that the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership has been concluded with immediate effect.

As with the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League One and Ladbrokes League Two competitions, final season placings have been determined by points per game in league matches played to 13 March 2020 by each club.

The decision means that Celtic are crowned 2019/20 champions and Hearts have been relegated to the Ladbrokes Championship. The final placings in full can be seen below:

Games played Points Goal Difference Points / Game
1 Celtic 30 80 70 2.6667
2 Rangers 29 67 45 2.3103
3 Motherwell 30 46 3 1.5333
4 Aberdeen 30 45 4 1.5000
5 Livingston 30 39 2 1.3000
6 St Johnstone 29 36 -18 1.2414
7 Hibernian 30 37 -7 1.2333
8 Kilmarnock 30 33 -10 1.1000
9 St Mirren 30 29 -17 0.9667
10 Ross County 30 29 -31 0.9667
11 Hamilton A 30 27 -20 0.9000
12 Hearts 30 23 -21 0.7667

SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to officially congratulate Celtic on their achievement of winning the Ladbrokes Premiership this season, and also to sincerely commiserate with Hearts on their relegation.

“We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters. This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the Board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward.

“Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time. Scottish Government restrictions and deep concerns for both player and spectator safety left the SPFL with no realistic option but to call the Ladbrokes Premiership now and we thank the Premiership clubs for their support on this decision.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “On Friday, Ladbrokes Premiership clubs expressed their clear and unanimous view that there was no realistic prospect of completing the outstanding fixtures from Season 2019/20. 

“The SPFL Board met this morning and in line with the express agreement of member clubs in April, the Board determined that League Season 2019/20 and the Ladbrokes Premiership be brought to an end.

“This decision now enables us to pay out around £7 million in fees to help clubs stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. We will begin processing these payments immediately.

“The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running again safely as soon as possible.  Next season’s Betfred Cup first round group stage is scheduled to begin in mid-July, with coverage from Premier Sports.  The 2020/21 League Season in all four of our Divisions is due to commence on 1 August, which coincides with the start of our new and exclusive five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.

“Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality. We will be liaising with Government on the best way forward and working to ensure that all of our 42 clubs are playing football again as soon as humanly possible.”

The story’s not over yet, however …

In a statement, Heart of Midlothian said: ‘Following today’s decision to end the 2019/20 Premiership season and expel Heart of Midlothian Football Club from the top flight, the club would like to provide a brief update to both its fans and the wider Scottish football audience.

‘We have stated from the outset that we don’t believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was previously indicated that league reconstruction would not generate enough support to pass a vote between member clubs.  In recent days a number of positive talks have been held with both the SPFL and member clubs and this topic is currently being revisited.

‘Hearts will shortly submit a member’s resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind. It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging – financially and otherwise – any club. 

‘This is possibly the final chance for our game to stand together, protect each other and not only survive but flourish in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic. Players from across all leagues have shown a desire for reconstruction and having already received support from some clubs we are hopeful that this resolution can positively progress Scottish football.

‘As previously intimated the club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and are continuing to do so. We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route. Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive. However the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations.

‘To our supporters, we thank you for showing patience and continuing to back the club. We will continue to fight against what we believe is an unjust outcome.’

Hibs v Rangers: Safety advice for football fans

EasterRd

Police have issued an appeal for fans to behave ahead of the crucial Hibs v Rangers SPFL play-off second leg at Easter Road this afternoon.  

Over 12,000 spectators are expected to attend at Easter Road Stadium for today’s game, which kicks off at midday, and a significant police presence will be in place to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.

Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will also not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard.

In addition, officers will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.

Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour does not put themselves or others in danger.

Superintendent Phil O’Kane said: “This is a significant fixture in the SPFL Championship play-offs for both clubs and we want all supporters to enjoy the day.

“Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.

“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium, will be refused entry and may face further police action.”