Top prosecutor warns fans they face exclusion from football over behaviour
The UK's top sports prosecutor has warned fans they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law if the "profound rise" in football-related criminality continues.
Douglas Mackay KC leads the Crown Prosecution Service's sports unit and has been taking a proactive response to a rising level of hate-filled abuse in the sport. Mackay recently issued fresh guidance around tragedy chanting, with fans to be handed banning orders if they are caught committing such an offence.
It follows on from the updated guidance around the Chelsea Rent Boy chant, which was classified as a homophobic hate crime in January 2022. And as the Premier League season approaches, Mackay has urged fans to follow the rules.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, he said: "The CPS is a public body, we respond to the needs of the public. We're an ever-evolving organisation and this is something that is being brought to light by members of the public and football fans.
"We felt that along with the Premier League's charter about behaviour on and off the pitch, that this was a really opportune moment to get out there and do our bit. Say that if people don't respond to the education piece, to the restorative justice piece and if criminal justice has to kick in, then we will be robust with it.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"One particular reason we have to be robust with it is because I've had a lot of first hand experiences with people who have been at the wrong end of tragedy related chanting.
"Having those first-hand conversations really brings home the impact of the families, not only of the bereaved, but on those who were there, on whole communities, on football clubs."
The CPS is taking a tougher stance against tragedy chanting, such as those about the Hillsborough disaster (David Blunsden/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)The updated guidance around homophobic chanting has led to a number of successful prosecutions. And Mackay is hopeful that his tough stance on the issue can reverse the trend that has seen increased disorder since the end of the pandemic.
"There was a need, as there is with tragedy related chanting, to pick our timing and say if you continue with this kind of behaviour, football will respond and criminal justice will respond," he added.
"The CPS has an important role to play and we can remind people of the impact of football banning orders, which can be very restrictive. But we can't do this on our own. It's about education, it's about intervention by football clubs, the Premier League, the FA, referees, the police where it's necessary.
"It's about educating people about us not wanting to take the fun out of football, the banter we all love and the chanting that is fun and part of the game. But it's about getting the message across that if you cross the line, there can be really serious repercussions.
"If we went back to pre-pandemic levels, you would see that the escalation in football-related criminality is profound. We came back from Covid and fan behaviour and action that needed to be taken by the authorities went through the roof."
The Premier League season kicks off on Friday with Manchester City's clash against Burnley, and Mackay has a firm message for those who are thinking of ignoring his warnings.
"The message is clear from a CPS perspective. If you don't listen to the impact of these offences, if you continue with that kind of behaviour, the CPS will be proactive in dealing with hate," Mackay said.
"That will mean a prosecution. It will mean the possibility and likelihood in fact of a banning order. That means your job prospects suffer, your higher education access suffers.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
"It means that you could be excluded from the sport that you love. It means you could be required to report to a police station at certain times. It means that you might have to hand over your passport during international competitions and fixtures.
"Be excluded from certain places around the ground on a Saturday. Be excluded from aspects of public transport. You can be banned from travelling on the trains. These orders are effective, just don't cross the line."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
