The controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football Act could have been “counterproductive”, discriminates against fans and should be scrapped according to Celtic Football Club.
MSPs at Holyrood are taking evidence today on the bill by Labour MSP James Kelly to scrap the act.
Celtic FC were the only professional football club to respond to calls for written submissions on the bill.
In the submission the club states the relationship between fans and police has suffered since the act was introduced.
It also said that fans have sensed a change in behaviour at away matches.
The club stated: “There is also a perception among supporters that certain songs and chants are more prevalent now among a section of the support (particularly at away matches) than before the legislation came into force. To this extent, it may be considered that the legislation was counterproductive.”
Celtic said the law “criminalises individuals by virtue of being football supporters”.
The club said that the law should not treat conduct differently just because it happens to be at a football match.
It stated: “Individuals should not be subjected to a different standard merely by reason of being a football supporter one day, and an ‘ordinary citizen’ the next.”
The club said its supporter liaison officer has informed it of a deterioration in the relationship with police and some Celtic fans.
It said concerns raised included excessive police numbers and surveillance, and more searches of supporters’ buses.
Celtic has told MSPs its fans believe Celtic supporters were being targeted by police and that the new legislation was being used for Celtic fans for behaviour not previously considered unlawful and that existing breach of the peace charges were being used for fans of other clubs.
The club said there are concerns it was driving fans away from football.
The submission stated: “In some cases, supporters indicted they were no longer willing to attend matches as a result of their concerns around and enforcement of the legislation by Police Scotland.”
Celtic concluded: “Given the potential for discrimination against football supporters and the confusion in applying and enforcing the section 1 offence, the club believes that sections 1 to 5 of the act should be repealed.”
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