Police-free matches move - but Caley Thistle fans warned over derby "Gypsy" chants - Scotland

From the Highland News

FANS have been warned not to chant offensive songs about travelling people at the big Highland derby on Saturday or they will be prosecuted.

But it comes as the idea of police-free football matches is set to be discussed by Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Northern Constabulary – and both are thought to keen to see it become a reality.

Police caused controversy last month before the New Year derby match was postponed when they issued a statement which said: “Singing or chants which could be deemed offensive to groups or communities such as Travellers are deemed an offence under the law in Scotland and therefore anyone caught singing them is liable to criminal prosecution.”

Northern Constabulary issued the warning after consulting the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on the new Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 which outlaws “behaviour likely to lead to public disorder which expresses or incites hatred, is threatening or is otherwise offensive”.

Some insiders believe that television exposure for the games between ICT and Ross County has led to increased scrutiny on fan behaviour, which supporters largely class as friendly banter.

Caley Jags Together spokesman David Balfour said it had talks this week with police and the club on the issue ahead of Saturday’s match in Dingwall.

Mr Balfour added: “Northern Constabulary made it clear the use of ‘Gypsy’ alongside any other word which might, to any reasonable person, portray hatred is unacceptable.

“Caley Jags Together pointed out the historic lack of animosity or disorder in the fixture and maintained that any chanting should be seen in that light.

“However, collectively we are mindful of the fact that matches are being broadcast by TV, radio and online to a wider audience and what is seen as banter to local rival fans might be viewed differently by those watching or listening.

“All parties were clear that none wished to see prosecutions resulting from chanting by either set of fans at this showpiece fixture.”

He added that Caley Jags Together is asking that all fans take these views on board and give consideration to what they chant or sing at future matches between Caley Thistle and County. He said Northern Constabulary were also anxious that fans be aware that throwing smoke bombs at this or any other fixture is unacceptable and will result in prosecution.

But in contrast to the derby warning, talks are to be sought with Northern Constabulary about self-policing at games at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

Mr Balfour said: “The buzz phrase within the ICT support is self-policing. I think there are many games where a police presence is a waste of resources. Matches at home to clubs such as Kilmarnock, Motherwell or Dundee require a police presence.

“I think the police are aware now how little offending happens at Caley Thistle games and matches without the police is something that we would certainly welcome.”

The combined attendance at the three Highland derbies this season – two in Inverness and one in Dingwall, is 15,978 – and there have only been four arrests.

A spokesman for Ross County said: “Obviously as a club we’re behind all efforts to remove offensive behaviour from Scottish football as we want it to be a game that is there for everyone to enjoy.

“We’ve been very fortunate over the years that our fans have largely been a credit to themselves and the club, and we hope this will continue to be the case as the club increasingly finds itself in the spotlight of high-profile fixtures.”

Caley Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron said: “Police-free games were first introduced at Motherwell versus ICT in February 2011 and have been tried and tested at various grounds throughout Scotland including the recent Scotland v Estonia game at Pittordrie, watched by over 16,000 fans.

“In the current climate this is something the club will be looking at in conjunction with the local constabulary in the coming weeks with a view to introducing at certain low-risk games.

“We have had extremely positive feedback from a number of clubs that have had numerous games where there has been no police presence and that must augur well for the introduction of this initiative in Inverness, where the behaviour of both our own and visiting fans has been exemplary.”

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “We had a meeting with the club, which was both amicable and productive. We offered general advice in relation to acceptable behaviour at football matches.

“We would like to emphasise that we have not had any significant behavioural issues with home supporters. We will continue to work with the club and fan representatives to ensure this continues.”

On the issue of police-free matches, he added: “We will continue to work with the club to provide a safe environment for fans and will look at all the options available to do this taking into account the experiences elsewhere in the country particularly as we move towards a single police service.”