Rules for being a Scottish football Supporter
By Stomp Admin
October 19 2008
This is a little look at the rules and regulations we are being forced to accept if you want to be a football fan in this country. Are they simple rules that everyone in modern society should be obeying anyway? Are they rules that are set down to stop you following the sport?
1) You are not allowed to stand during football matches:- Is this a rule or a guide line?
Some grounds still unofficially allow it but it seems like it comes down to which police state you’re in. (Scottish Football fans at an International match will tell you there is no such rule).
2) Causing an Atmosphere:- Unlike going to the pictures football needs an atmosphere any actor who could have 1000 + people oohing, aahing, screaming, shouting, singing and virtually in tears for a full 90 minutes would be well worth going to see. However in some areas if you can’t raise an atmosphere with out breaking rule 1 the trip is going to be a waste of your time and money.
3) Alcohol and football: -
1) You can be refused access to the ground if you’re considered to be under the influence of alcohol.
2) You are not allowed to consume alcohol while travelling to a football match whether travelling by bus, car, train, helicopter, boat, Aeroplane or flying carpet.
3) You are not allowed to consume alcohol while watching a football match.
However1) You can consume as much alcohol as you like if you have paid a little bit extra to sit in a hospitality suite.
2) You can have a drink in the clubs social club (if they still have one) as long as you abide by rule 3.1.
3) You can have a drink in the local pubs, if you like, as long as you abide by rule 3.1.
This rule only seems to apply to watching football in Scotland it does not apply to Rugby or watching a concert in any of the stadiums where football is generally played.
4) Racist, bigotted and verbal abuse: - Unacceptable and will get you thrown out of matches. (Unless of course your an Old Firm fan).
5) Hooliganism: - If you are found to be involved in or suspected of being involved in football hooliganism you will no longer be able to be a football fan. They will make sure of it.
Are these simple rules designed to stop you being a fan of football in Scotland? When 75 – 80% of football fans already obey these laws, who’s right and who’s wrong? Will encouraging these rules bring more people back to a sport that is viewed by many as dying on its backside?
I don’t have the answers but there needs to be a way forward and if you’re a fan of a particular team your going to be forced to make a decision.
Have i missed anything?
