MX23RW : Wednesday, April 24 08:23:39| >> :600:92079812:92079812:

SFA chief condemns "appalling" scenes in Glasgow city centre

Ian Maxwell described the events in Glasgow city centre while Rangers fans celebrated their title win as 'a disgrace'.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell insists football fans have to be responsible for their own behaviour as he described as "appalling" recent scenes in Glasgow city centre.

Thousands of Rangers supporters defied Covid-19 warnings against large gatherings and descended on Ibrox for the final Premiership game of the season against Aberdeen on May 15, then moved to George Square to celebrate the club's 55th title win.

Five police officers were injured and 28 arrests were made – with more promised – after the celebrations descended into public disorder which provoked widespread outrage.

The then Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf warned strict liability for clubs was "on the table"  if they were unwilling to confront issues among some fans.

Maxwell said: "I can understand why they talk about it. I can understand that they don't want to see the scenes that we saw at the weekend repeated.

"That was outwith a football stadium obviously and we need to remember that.

"It came off the back of events at George Square and they were appalling.

"They were a disgrace and it is difficult to comprehend how any sector of society wants to go and behave that way.

"Those individuals have no place in Scottish football, I think that is fair to say and I think clubs would absolutely reiterate that comment.

"It is important that we get into stadiums, everyone has missed being able to go and watch their team and I would absolutely expect that the behaviour of fans when they get back into stadiums will be what it should be.

"It has been very challenging during the pandemic and we don't want to find ourselves in some sort of time warp when the time comes.

"Fundamentally people are responsible for what they do.

"That is the case in any setting, not just football.

"Obviously football clubs work hard to promote messages about discrimination and abuse and all those things.

"We have seen us take the knee before matches, we have seen us stand against racism, we have been involved in the social media boycott recently and clubs are absolutely committed.

"Look at Rangers' 'Everyone Anyone' programme and the good work that is doing and it is important that we continue to drive that.

"But spectators need to take responsibility for their own actions."

ID:448887: cacheID:448887:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3526:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo on May 16, 2021
Read Next:
Nuno Espirito Santo can only see "good things" ahead for Wolves
>
Read more about Ian Maxwell Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!