Fans urged to drive bigotry out of football

The event was hosted by Supporters Direct Scotland in its Belgrave Street office and supported by Street League, Africa On The Ball and the Scottish Government who provided funding to ensure it was free for fans to attend.

Nil by Mouth was set up by Cara Henderson after the brutal sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match in 1995.

Since then the charity has campaigned against sectarianism including recently seeking to give fans a vote on the introduction of ‘Strict Liability’ at SPFL football matches in an effort to tackle sectarian abuse in the stands.

In attendance was football author and historian Daniel Gray who read from his cult book Stramash, while the team from Albion Rovers Supporters Trust won the quiz.

Nil by Mouth campaign director Dave Scott said: “Some of the most iconic figures in football history hail from Scotland and the game is a hugely significant part of our culture.

“The behaviour of football fans can often attract negative headlines, but we know that the vast majority of fans simply want to support their team and enjoy the beautiful game.

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget the joy, and forget that football isn’t always the problem – it can be part of the solution. We hope as many fans as possible join us in Kissing Bigotry Goodbye.’