BrahimHemdani

or practising free kicks?

Kind of you to say so; as I said I probably didn't come across as controversial enough in the pre-interview with ITN.

I said I would post something here in response to Zappa's request, whether or not I got the callback from ITN to do a piece to camera; which in the event I didn't. ..................................................................................................................................................... SDS submitted a paper to the Justice Committee which can be found here: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s4/committees/justice/inquiries/OBFTCBill/OBFTCBill.htm click on Justice Committee/Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill/Stage 2 scrutiny/Read the written submissions received and scroll down the list. Members of six supporters' trusts were invited to give oral evidence to the committee and at the request of the Celtic and Dundee Utd Trusts, SDS facilitated a pre-meeting which was attended by representatives of Celtic, Rangers, Dundee Utd, Aberdeen and Hearts (Hibs were unable to attend). SDS are members of the Joint Review Group (JRG) which was one of the sub-committees formed by the Joint Action Group (JAG). SDS will be heavily involved in the consultation process for the Code of Conduct which is one of the actions being taken on by the JRG. That is the background to SDS involvement in recent months. ..................................................................................................................................................... If I had had the opportunity today this is what I was going to say: Scotland is fortunate that fans can go to watch football in this country in an atmosphere that is, for the most part, free of violence, racism and other forms of unacceptable conduct. This is in stark contrast to many countries in Europe where we have recently seen match officials attacked, racism is rife and flares and other missiles are commonplace. Fan’s behaviour at football matches in Scotland has improved out of all recognition compared with the 1970’s and 1980’s. (We have to go back to 1980, when Celtic and Rangers fans fought an on-pitch battle after Celtic’s 1–0 victory in the Scottish Cup final and to a lesser extent 1999, when serious disorder broke out during an Old Firm match at Celtic Park when missiles were thrown by Celtic fans – one struck the referee, for the last major outbreaks of violence in Scottish Football.) That said, we support the Government, the football authorities and the Police in their efforts to rid Scottish Football of the scourge of sectarianism and other forms of offensive behaviour as set out in the bill*; and have worked with the Joint Action Group and the Joint Review Group to that end. However, we do have reservations about certain aspects of the Bill, not the least of which is that it doesn’t define sectarianism and therefore may present the police and prosecutors with some practical difficulties. We believe that the present law such as breach of the peace (where the test is placing a reasonable person in a state of fear and alarm) is more than adequate to deal with most situations that might arise under existing legislation. *Expressing hatred of or stirring up hatred against a religious, social or cultural group or on the basis of colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability OR other behaviour that a reasonable person would be likely to consider offensive AND is likely to incite public disorder. I think it is fair to say that the Minister made a reasonable point in that European legislation has made it more difficult to use Breach of the Peace in the context of a football match where singing an offensive song might not be regarded as placing a reasonable person in a state of fear or alarm. However I would question if it is going to be any easier to prove that the types of offensive behaviour caught by the Act (listed above) are likely to incite public disorder, which will be necessary to secure a conviction. I hope this is helpful.

Plus the usual mafia supplements no doubt .

It was David McLetchie, the former Tory party leader. Singing anything in support of a prosrcibed organisation IS now illegal in terms of the act IF it is related to a regulated football match, IF it casuses offense to the mythical "reasonable person" and IF it is likely to incite public disorder. The strange thing is that unlike the SPL new rules, the law does not specify that singing songs in opposition to a prosrcibed organisation is illegal.

Yes it does; the somewhat spurious argument being that it might offend an employee. (Or even someone walking past the premises minding their own business.) However, if you are Catholic person who is easily offended I would suggest you wouldn't want to get a job in the Kirkintilloch RSC.

It also covers travelling (the day before) and overnight stops; that is mainly aimed at the Tartan Army.

As will the 28th!

You might be interested to learn that under the new SPL rules it will be considered "unacceptable conduct" to sing a song in opposition to a proscribed terrorist group in just the same way as singing a song in support of such a group; but of course because of the absolute defence of "reasonably practicable" there is virtually no chance of any club being charged let alone found guilty, as in the recent cases of Hearts v Celtic and Celtic v Hibs.

Didn't get the call lads; I guess I wasn't going to be controversial enough for them. I'm going to have my dinner then I'll post a new thread with the view from SD as promised.

Dunfermline, sorry if that wasn't clear or St Mirren or how about Dundee Utd bit fed up with them and the restricted views at Tannadice.

Zappa, I have worked up something to say in case I get the call and was thinking about posting it here just now but I have stopped myself in case it gets picked up and savaged in advance; not here, you are all fair minded guys (well mostly!) but in other fora. So forgive me tonight but I'll post something tomorrow in any event because even if I get on I know they'll only air a sentence or two at the most. Bear with me, please. Meantime can I give the survey a last push https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LWDRPV8, thanks.

I'll post on here if I get the call.

Can't agree with you on that Craig, I enjoy my trips to Aberdeen, especially when I get First Class on the cheap when the Premier Club 55 is running; I have missed the second game when they can't make the top 6. I would love to have Aberdeen, Inverness (best trip in Scotland) AND Ross County and away with Dunfermline.

Very much appreciated, do you get ITN/STV out there?

It's only 11 pages because the chart is at the top of each one!

He came off the bench as a late sub, I understand; they couldn't afford my fee.

There were 4 or 5 guys near me who wanted locking up, other than that, I didn't hear or see anything untoward.

Thanks but it would be from a strictly neutral SD perspective. ITN/STV will be at Holyrood to cover the demo etc and they are looking for a more moderate view.

I know John well and he is a likeable chap but he is not the best at putting his points across, although he got in good jibe about Aberdeen fans at the end.

On tonights prog, they will have Les Gray (police) and an SNP and Labour MSP and someone other than me, I'm pleased to be able to say; but tomorrow is another day.

You might think so but I couldn't possibly confirm, well not yet anyway

That's my point, more or less, all we need is "agree" and "disagree", thanks are nice but not really necessary.

Someone you know might be on TV tomorrow.

Listen and make up your own mind http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/scotland/newsid_9582000/9582406.stm, he is as extreme on the one side as soem others I could mention are on the other.