John Swinney open to criminalising pitch invasions after Celtic Park scenes

First Minister John Swinney has revealed the Scottish Government is prepared to examine new legislation that would make pitch invasions a criminal offence following the scenes at Celtic Park on Saturday…

The comments come after some Celtic supporters entered the field in the closing moments of the Hoops’ 3-1 victory over Hearts, a result that secured the Premiership title for Martin O’Neill’s side.

Confusion also surrounded the final whistle, with some believing referee Don Robertson had abandoned the match amid the chaotic scenes.

Swinney condemned the behaviour witnessed at Celtic Park and insisted players should never be exposed to that type of situation.

“No football player should be subjected to behaviour of that type on the pitch,” he said via Daily Record.

Pitch invasions are already punishable by law in England and Wales, and pressure has intensified on Scottish football authorities and politicians to introduce similar measures north of the border after a number of crowd-related incidents this season.

The SNP leader also questioned why a coordinated plan had not been put in place between Celtic and Glasgow City Council in anticipation of a possible title celebration.

“There was a very clear contrast at the weekend,” Swinney explained. “In Edinburgh, the City Council and Hearts had agreed a plan as to what would happen should Hearts have been successful, and in Glasgow that wasn’t the case with Celtic.

“I think there’s big issues to be wrestled with there. There were discussions that were taking place to try and create a more orderly environment, but they did not lead to the establishment of that.

“So we’ve got a job of work to do, working with the football clubs, and the SPFL, and with the City Council to avoid this situation ever happening again. And I commit the Government to engaging in that process.

“But fundamentally, at the heart of this, is the unacceptable behaviour of the minority of fans and that has to be addressed.”

Swinney confirmed the Government would now look at whether further legal powers should be introduced as part of an ongoing review into football-related disorder.

“I will consider those proposals around making it a criminal offence to be part of a pitch invasion,” he said.

“There are obviously measures that can be taken forward as part of the review of football banning orders that the Government has consulted on. We’re now going to consider that further after the election, and the issues around pitch invasions will be part of that process.”

The First Minister also suggested both football authorities and government ministers may need to examine whether clubs should face greater accountability for supporter behaviour.

“There are issues to be explored there – some of them are in the hands of the Government, and some of them are in the hands of the football authorities,” he added.

“It’s important this conduct is examined and explored. The police are obviously talking to Hearts players about their experience on the pitch. No football player should be subjected to behaviour of that type on the pitch. It’s completely and utterly unacceptable.”

Conor Spence

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