Calls for a review of ‘Football Act’

Chryston MSP Elaine Smith has called for the Scottish Government to conduct an urgent and wide ranging review of the controversial ‘Football Act’

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Jun 2015, 13:37 BST

The MSP believes that the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 is not tackling Scotland’s problem with sectarianism.

She questioned the SNP Minister in the chamber following his statement on the issue and raised concerns about freedom of speech and how expressing political or cultural viewpoints could be interpreted under this Act.

The Act has attracted criticism previously, with one Sherriff describing it as “mince”.

The Labour MSP said: “The Football Act has been a huge source of controversy.

“It has been criticised not just by football fans but by legal experts too.”