24/7 Legal Advice
Dunfermline 01383 730 466
Kirkcaldy 01592 640 680

Hate Figures in Football Drop

The number of people charged under The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act has fallen in the last year according to official statistics. 

193 people- 189 men- were charged in the last year, down from 206 in 2013/14. The previous year had seen almost 270 cases. The controversial act has been protested about by some football fans with some fans believing that it restricts freedom of speech. 

Of those charged, 30% of those had an affiliation with Rangers, with 16% supporting Aberdeen. Celtic fans amounted to 10% of all those charged with Hibernian having 8% of the share. The match between Dundee United and Aberdeen amounted to 16% of all charges, with 7% relating to the Scotland v England international friendly. 

Criminal Behaviour at Football

The Act aims to reduce the number of criminal acts at football matches, and criminalises hateful or discriminatory behaviour. Stats released on the incidents showed 61% of all cases last year were due to threatening behaviour with 31% of the charges deemed “hateful”. Derogatory behaviour towards Roman Catholicism accounted for the largest proportion of religious abuse with 84% of all religious abuse aimed at Roman Catholics. Only 4% of the crimes reported were deemed to be racial.

Minister for Community Safety Paul Wheelhouse said: "We have seen a raft of encouraging statistics and evidence published today showing that hate crimes in Scotland are on the decrease, both on the streets of Scotland and in our football grounds and this is to be welcomed.

"Religious crimes are down, race crimes are down, crimes in relation to sexuality are down and we've seen a decrease in crimes of offensive behaviour at regulated football matches in Scotland. Whilst the legislation we brought in two years ago has had its critics, the latest statistics show a steady decline in offences at stadiums and a YouGov poll shows 80% of Scots support the Offensive Behaviour Act."

"We will not be complacent and will continue to monitor how the act is working very closely going forward."

Contact Us

Despite the statistics, the number of those charged are disproportionate to those arrested, with the Act having a very low success rate. This is due to the difficulty of proving or verifying accounts. If you have been accused of offensive behaviour at football, our team of solicitors can give you the advice and representation required. Contact us today using our online contact form

New Police Approach Taken to Handle Serious Crime ...
Police Scotland Solving Fewer Crimes

Related Posts

Need Legal Advice?
Call now

Dunfermline 01383 730 466
Kirkcaldy 01592 640 680
LINES ARE OPEN 24/7

What do Martin Johnston & Socha have to offer you?

  • Specialists in criminal defence law
  • Registered to give legal aid
  • 24 hour contact, 7 days a week
  • One point of contact throughout case
  • Solicitor advocates available
  • Free initial consultation
  • Client focussed service