Glasgow's top cop warns:Don't display offensive banners likely to stir up hate crimes

[ian1964 10,457]

OLD Firm fans have been warned not to display offensive banners at Saturday's game - or they will face the full force of the law.

 

Glasgow's top cop Chief Inspector Brian McInulty (above) has issued the advice ahead of the Scottish Premiership*fixture at Ibrox Stadium in a bid to quash hate crime.

 

His warning comes after*Celtic supporters came under fire for producing a banner which read "Hun Scum" and dangled*two plastic effigies with hands tied behind their backs in the manner of an execution at the last fixture at Parkhead*on September.

 

The hanging blow up dolls adorned with Rangers scarves could be seen at the start of the live TV coverage of the match as the players took to the pitch.

 

A toilet block was also extensively damaged at Parkhead. Roof tiles and lights were smashed and cubicle doors broken inside the away section of Celtic Park.

 

Now Glasgow's top cop has issued a list of 'don'ts' before the fixture which will coincide with Hogmanay.

 

Chief Inspector McInulty warned: "That small minority determined to cause disorder, anti-social or offensive behaviour will be met with the full force of the law.

 

"Officers will actively tackle those who put the safety of others at risk."

 

Police Scotland have said that specific operations are in place for the match at Ibrox Stadium.*

 

They have warned supporters that it is a offence*to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or to display written material likely to stir up hate crimes.*

 

They also said*that it is an offence to enter Ibrox Stadium or any other sports ground if you are in possession of any pyrotechnic device including flares, fireworks and pellets.

 

Police Scotland will also come down on supporters who attempt to enter the stadium either drunk or with*alcohol in their possession.*

 

Cops will patrol buses or mini-buses for spot checks to see if anyone on-board is drunk or has alcohol in their possession.

Supporters are also urged not to drink in public.*

 

Chief Inspector McInulty said: "Our policing approach is about early intervention, prevention and engagement, and people should expect to see more officers proactively targeting the small amount of people intent on drinking to excess or behaving badly.

 

“I completely understand that people want to have a good time and for some, that means drinking alcohol.

"However the safety of people visiting the stadium or just the city of Glasgow itself, is our priority and I would urge people not to drink when coming to the stadium, as you’ll not get in. Drink responsibly if out later at night and keep yourself and your belongings safe. Know how you’re getting home and plan it ahead."

 

The advice to the rest of the city is to plan their journey with Glasgow expected to be busier than usual due to Hogmanay and the football fixture.

 

Chief Inspector McInulty said: "This is no doubt an exciting weekend for many people, whether it’s to enjoy a day of shopping at the sales, attending a football match or gearing up to celebrate the New Year.

 

“It does mean that the city will be busier throughout the day and night. Together with our partners, we have robust policing plans in place to account for this with public safety being our priority.”

 

He added, “Given the time of year, it would be expected that alcohol will play a part in some of the activities but I would urge people to drink responsibly, plan your outing in advance and ensure you stay with friends and family who know where you are.

 

"Expect to see more officers in and around stadiums, shopping centres, on approaches to Glasgow and in the city centre itself.

 

“We want to keep people safe whilst they enjoy football, parties and celebrations as part of our Festive Safety campaign. Have a great weekend and a happy New Year.”

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14992410.Glasgow_s_top_cop_warns_Old_Firm_fans__Don_t_display_offensive_banners_likely_to_stir_up_hate_crimes/

[RANGERRAB 3,304]

What a load of utter nonsense from Plod Scotland.

 

I'll start taking them seriously when they start to properly police the San Giro at yahoos home games. How many banners in support of Irish terrorism for starters ? And yahoos away games ? The IRA anthems ?

[Norris Cole 0]

What, like 'Dublin RSC - Behind Enemy Lines'?

 

Police Scotland need to start policing Scotland if they want my respect.

[SteveC 150]

Does this include the Starry plough that they always let them wave as well as Kill All Huns banners. I see that wasn't mentioned in the article, and i noted the orangeman effigy was again not mentioned.

[Norris Cole 0]

Does this include the Starry plough that they always let them wave as well as Kill All Huns banners. I see that wasn't mentioned in the article, and i noted the orangeman effigy was again not mentioned.

 

I fully expect 'Know your place Hun scum' to be in the Broomloan on Saturday.

 

Again, it's almost offensive that Police Scotland expect us to take them seriously.

[StuGers 477]

Revisionism full steam ahead in that article.

[ian1964 10,457]

What a load of utter nonsense from Plod Scotland.

 

I'll start taking them seriously when they start to properly police the San Giro at yahoos home games. How many banners in support of Irish terrorism for starters ? And yahoos away games ? The IRA anthems ?

 

And find the culprits who bottled a couple of young Rangers fans!

[ian1964 10,457]

[der Berliner 3,290]

Methink their banners sneaked in last time because they were brought in a day or two before the game, as the "noisy Green Brigade" has their own storage facility within the ground. Obviously, those checking the banners et al at the day of their arrival were of a like-minded, banterous and joyous inclination and probably belonging to the Green Brigade themselves. As we have seen with their anti-Israel and pro-PLO ... ahem Palestine protests, the Police was not interested anyways.

 

Afterwards, there is some public half-hearted outcry, some sort of investigation and that's that. The odd chap will be spoken to etc. ...

 

I would be very disappointed if any sort of flag or banner makes it into the ground.

[cooponthewing 1,139]

The Scot squad expect to be taken seriously with this shit?? I notice the media are still peddling the "Rangers scarfs" crap!. We all know there was an orange sash depicting the mock execution of a Protestant!!