Football fans in Scotland have expressed their anger and frustration over a proposal to introduce new rules for supporters’ buses travelling to and from matches. The proposal, which is part of a public consultation launched by the UK government, aims to bring Scotland in line with the voluntary guidelines that apply in England and Wales. However, fans argue that the proposal is unnecessary, unfair and discriminatory, and that it would harm the culture and tradition of Scottish football.
What are the proposed rules?
The proposal comes from the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, a UK government body that regulates bus travel across the UK. The commissioner wants to create a set of voluntary guidelines for coach operators who carry passengers to football matches in Scotland. These guidelines include:
- The creation of a dedicated football officer (DFO) role at each club, who would receive information from coach operators 48 hours before every game, such as the number of buses, passengers and organisers.
- Supporters’ buses would not be allowed to stop within 10 miles of a stadium without prior agreement from the DFO.
- Stops at pubs on the way to and from matches would be agreed with the DFO and only allowed in premises where alcohol can be bought “ancillary to a substantial meal”.
- Buses would have to arrive no earlier than two hours before, and not later than one hour before, the start of the game, and then must leave within 30 minutes of the finish.
- Picking up or dropping off passengers at “unauthorised locations” would not be allowed without prior permission of the police.
- A ban on alcohol, flares and similar pyrotechnics on the coaches.
The commissioner argues that these changes are needed due to concerns that incidents of football-related disorder “do still occur and may be increasing”.
How have fans reacted?
The proposal has been met with widespread criticism and opposition from fans, who say that it is based on outdated stereotypes and prejudices about football supporters. They claim that the proposal would treat them as potential criminals, rather than as loyal and passionate customers of the game. They also point out that there is no evidence that supporters’ buses are a source of trouble or violence, and that most fans behave responsibly and peacefully.
Some of the arguments made by fans against the proposal are:
- It would infringe on their civil liberties and human rights, such as their freedom of movement, association and expression.
- It would impose unnecessary bureaucracy and costs on coach operators and organisers, who already comply with existing laws and regulations.
- It would reduce the attractiveness and affordability of travelling by coach, which is often the only option for many fans, especially those from rural or remote areas.
- It would damage the social and cultural aspects of supporting a team, such as meeting new people, making friends, singing songs and having fun.
- It would create more problems than it solves, such as traffic congestion, parking issues, environmental impact and safety risks.
Fans have also expressed their disappointment and frustration with the lack of consultation and engagement from the UK government and the commissioner. They say that they have not been given a chance to voice their opinions or concerns, or to offer alternative solutions. They also question why Scotland should follow the same guidelines as England and Wales, when there are significant differences in the legal, political and sporting contexts.
What are the next steps?
The commissioner will then consider all the responses and decide whether to issue the guidelines or not. If issued, the guidelines will be voluntary and not legally binding. However, coach operators who do not follow them may face enforcement action from the commissioner or the police.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have both stated that they oppose the proposal and will make representations to the commissioner on behalf of their members. They have also urged fans to take part in the consultation and make their views known.
