I READ with incredulity the proposed consultation on further restricting the freedom and human rights of Scottish football fans.
Firstly, this is a blatant attempt at poking the wounded bear through threatening further our current devolved powers while what we want is more power (and at least 50% want full independence).
Secondly, this legislation was the legacy of Thatcher’s wish to cure the “English Disease”, which has little relevance in Scotland where very little crowd trouble exists.
However, I save my vitriol for addressing the most ludicrous aspect of these proposals: their workability. As chairman of Glasgow Hearts Supporters Club (1947) I am well aware of every single detail of travelling by bus to both Tynecastle and every away ground in Scotland.
READ MORE: Scottish football fans fume over 'draconian' travel proposals
For home games, our bus makes three pick-ups in Glasgow and East Kilbride then drops people at Sainsbury’s in Gorgie Road. From there, individuals decide where they wish to spend the hour prior to kick-off: McDonalds or Sainsbury’s cafe with their kids; the bookies; the “Merchie” Supporters Club; the BMC Club; one of the brilliant all-day breakfast cafes; an early seat in the stadium; OR their choice of pub.
Is our “dedicated football officer” going to burst into Jessie May’s in full riot gear to check if I’ve ordered a “full English” with my Tennents? How would they know who had traveled on a rebellious coach? Some customers would be locals with no interest in football, some would have travelled by train or service bus, some by boat, some by car. Would I have to wear a maroon star to identify my membership of a dangerous club?
Likewise at many other grounds we are simply dropped off and left make our own decisions: sweet FA to do with our bus company!
Of course, should this pernicious, malevolent and constitutionally illegal nonsense become law we could simple change our name to Glasgow Hearts Ramblers Club and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Gorgie Road drinking to our heart’s content – oh, and enjoy a carry-out on the bus too!
We cannot accept English meddling in our national sport; we will not.
Ross Meikle
Chairman of Glasgow Hearts Supporters Club (1947)
READ MORE: Douglas Ross slams own party as he hits out at Scottish football travel plans
THE new voluntary guidelines proposed by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain (GB) will undoubtedly demonise Scottish football supporters and have a detrimental effect on local businesses which will disproportionally penalise lower-league teams.
They are, as described by Alan Brown, MSP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, unworkable and “total madness.”
The fact that the proposals emanate from the Traffic Commissioners for GB rather than from Scotland’s own traffic commissioner should be regarded as an opportunity to highlight the breathtaking arrogance of such UK bodies towards our country when we have our own law-enforcement powers in place through Police Scotland.
READ MORE: Tory government rejects making Scotland football games free-to-view
Anyone with even an elementary knowledge of the carriage of football supporters to matches in Scotland will be astounded at the unrealistic and impracticable nature of the proposed guidelines that may border on risible but read as premeditatedly obtuse.
The supine rationale that “a consistent approach should exist across GB” must be immediately and vigorously kicked into touch (forgive the rugby metaphor). Thankfully the absurd proposals have been condemned wholeheartedly by Scottish football’s authorities and by fans’ groups. It has been clearly recognised that the Scottish Government has been bypassed and had no consultation in any discussions with this UK body, which does not appear to have had an invitation to interfere in Scotland’s organisation of transport to football grounds.
Even clubs like Rangers FC, a team with a majority Unionist support, have castigated the proposed guidelines unequivocally and it should be gently pointed out to fans across Scotland that in this and many other social and economic areas, Scotland can not only manage itself but does not need guidance or unwarranted encroachment from a high-handed UK agency or government.
Owen Kelly
Stirling
I AM surely not the only person who was disappointed to see the Scottish national rugby team paraded in France ahead of the Rugby World Cup wearing suits rather than our national dress.
Here was me thinking nothing could represent our nation less well than the appointment of the Baroness of Lundin Links to the board of the Scottish Rugby Union.
What are they thinking? My support goes to Scotland and those that represent the nation. They have just about lost me.
Ni Holmes
St Andrews
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