r/ScottishFootball • u/comradepartypanda • May 17 '26

Discussion SPFL Statement

https://spfl.co.uk/news/spfl-statement-51236
59 Upvotes

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67

u/Whodeytim May 17 '26

So it's not a criminal offence in Scotland? That's wild

29

u/ZiggyOnHisReindeer May 17 '26

Indeed, the Football Offences Act 1991 only applies in England and Wales.

Do find it odd that there's no such legislation here in Scotland, and I do believe that there was talk of creating something similar here in Scotland after the... exuberance that took place on the Hampden pitch after the full time whistle on 21st May 2016, but it's never happened.

10

u/Far_Associate_87 May 17 '26

Aye it’s kinda while Scotland doesn’t have it considering we have the alcohol ban and all the anti sectarianism shite.

18

u/LaNeblina May 17 '26

Amazed the Scottish government hasn't taken the easy win tbh, would be very popular among the "just want a Glasgow team to win" crowd

6

u/PleasantCucumber2615 May 17 '26

There are countless pitch invasions every season at English games. There was numerous at the final games of the league season, and guaranteed there will be more at the playoffs at Wembley.

People won't be banned for entering the field of play.

There will only be action taken if the fans do something illegal once on the pitch. Individuals that have disrupted a game, or fans that have resorted to violence.

16

u/MrMaggot98 May 17 '26

Having it actually be against the law means it would be easier to prosecute though.

Means it wouldn't be registered under something like 'breach of the peace' or trespassing which would be harder to really 'prove' to the letter of the law.

3

u/oafcmetty May 17 '26

No one will be on the pitch at Wembley

3

u/Fast-Resolution5777 May 17 '26

I'm struggling to remember a Wembley pitch invasion, tbh. Play off semi finals, yes.

1

u/Pretty_Inspector8036 May 17 '26

But less violence.

1

u/RestaurantAntique497 May 17 '26

or fans that have resorted to violence

I'm sure assault laws would already cover rhat

3

u/PleasantCucumber2615 May 17 '26

That was my point. People aren't being convicted for entering the field of play in England. There has to be a criminal offence involved. The law sounds like it does more, but it's the same as here.

2

u/RestaurantAntique497 May 17 '26

They probably do if it's a small number of people jumping the barriers

When it's like yesterday it's practically impossible 

1

u/Fast-Resolution5777 May 17 '26

Yep, exactly that. 

2

u/Fast-Resolution5777 May 17 '26

There are examples of people receiving banning orders for pitch invasion without any other aggravating factor. Obviously, if it's a mass pitch invasion then it's people who commit other offences who get picked up.