A senior police official in Scotland has proposed that football clubs be compelled to play games behind closed doors as a measure to penalize fans for acts of thuggery and disorder. Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), stated that current criminal sanctions are ineffective in deterring unruly behavior and advocated for a more direct approach targeting clubs themselves.
This proposal follows comments from Chief Constable Jo Farrell, who noted that dozens of officers have been reassigned from investigating serious crimes, such as domestic abuse, to track down fans involved in disorder. The debate has intensified following instances of anti-social behavior at several high-profile matches, including games between Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Cup and the league title decider between Celtic and Hearts.
"Footballing problems demand footballing solutions," Hay said. "Points docked, matches forfeited and games played behind closed doors will soon lead to effective self-policing amongst fans." He argued that these measures would be free to taxpayers and would ensure that "the polluter pays," unlike increased policing, which he suggested strains community resources by diverting officers from other duties. Hay also called for new legislation and bans to be enacted and enforced.
Farrell had previously described the trouble connected to football as escalating and a significant public safety issue, stating in May, "We cannot look towards another season of this mayhem." She emphasized that while policing plays a role, accountability and ownership are lacking within the sport. She added that disorder, violence, and thuggery are often shrugged off and unchecked.
Farrell urged the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to strengthen their regulatory frameworks and clearly define sanctions for offenses like pitch invasions. The SFA is understood to have commissioned an independent report into the disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox, which is expected to be published within two weeks.
David Threadgold, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, suggested in May that the most effective deterrent for individuals intent on causing disorder would be point deductions in league fixtures or expulsion from cup competitions. He believes this would create a tangible impact on teams, thereby influencing fan behavior.
An SPFL spokesman acknowledged the need for all stakeholders to collaborate on addressing unacceptable conduct at matches, including pitch incursions and pyrotechnic use. The SPFL stated it has fully participated in the Scottish Government's consultation on football banning orders and is awaiting further developments. Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray commented that football thuggery is perpetrated by a minority and expressed gratitude to the commanders and officers involved in managing these operations.