FOOTBALL BANNING ORDERS:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The following question and answer section will help to explain Football Banning Orders (FBO's) in Scotland:
When did FBO come into force?
FBOs are part of Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 and came into force on 1 September 2006.
The legislation is designed to impact on all football related violence and disorder and will ensure those who have been involved in football related disorder are prevented from participating in such activities in the future.
Why do we have FBOs in Scotland?
A small minority of fans continue to use their club or the national team as a vehicle for violence and sectarian abuse. This stains the reputation of our game at home and abroad.
It is not anticipated that FBOs will be a suitable disposal for everyone who commits a football related offence. Instead FBOs will target those who display the most extreme behaviour - sending a message to others that such conduct will not be tolerated.
What football matches can you be excluded from?
Anyone indulging in abusive behaviour could be banned from every football ground in the UK and any game involving the national teams, even those played abroad.
Why can you be banned from other places and not just football grounds?
Not all football related trouble happens in or around football stadiums. There are many other flashpoints where trouble can erupt on match days, such as bars which are popular with fans; town centres or railway stations.
How do FBOs work?
There are two ways. A court can impose a FBO on an individual convicted of an offence instead of, or in addition to, any sentence the court could impose for the offence. The police can also make a summary application to a sheriff court for a FBO to be imposed against an individual.
Who administers FBOs?
The Scottish Football Banning Orders Authority administers FBOs for the whole of Scotland. By working closely with all of the police forces in Scotland and across the UK they ensure that hooligans are identified, arrested and prosecuted. The FBOA also ensures that FBOs are rigorously enforced and information shared. Anyone who fails to comply with the terms of their FBO or commits an offence can be fined and imprisoned for up to 6 months.
How long will a FBO last?
Between 3 and 10 years, depending on the circumstances of the case.
What can I do?
If you see trouble or know of an individual who has previously caused or been involved in violence or disorder, or you know someone who may pose a threat, you should report the matter to the police.