Background
Tackling sectarianism in football is central to creating the truly multi-cultural and multi-faith Scotland that people aspire to and deserve - a Scotland where difference is the basis for mutual respect and understanding. Healthy rivalry between football clubs is important and the passion that fans have for their clubs is something that Scotland is known for worldwide. However, passionate rivalry should not be allowed to spill over into abuse, violence and hatred. Loyalty goes hand in hand with being a football supporter but this should not lead to the making enemies of those who support other teams. And it most certainly does not give licence to fans to engage in sectarian or disorderly behaviour.
No one has the right to use football as an excuse for abusive behaviour. Hiding behind a warped interpretation of your club's history and traditions does not validate bigotry and small-mindedness. Using your club to defend offensive anti-social behaviour tarnishes its name, its reputation and humiliates everyone involved. Yet it is such behaviour which perpetuates the link between sectarianism and Scottish football.
In recent years concerted efforts have been made to tackle sectarianism by football authorities, clubs and supporters' groups, campaigning groups and the police. Particular progress has been made in the last 12 months, with significant programmes of activity undertaken by the Old Firm clubs. These efforts have certainly made an impact on the fight against sectarianism and should be applauded. However, we cannot be complacent, the fact remains that sectarianism is still deeply engrained in many areas of Scottish society and it is time to eradicate it from Scottish football.
It is for these reasons that the Strategy on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland, launched by the Scottish Executive on 30 January 2006, included a recommendation that a strategy for tackling sectarianism in football be developed. Action 6 in that Action Plan stated:
The Scottish Executive will work in partnership with the Scottish FA and sportscotland to develop a strategy for tackling sectarianism in football. This will be launched by the end of 2006.