Hate crime legislation independent review: consultation (easy-read)

Offensive behaviour at football

In 2012 the government brought in a law which made a new offence to cover offensive behaviour at football matches.

The government wanted to send a clear message to football fans and the public that some kinds of behaviour at football matches is unacceptable.

For example, singing songs and waving banners against Catholics or Protestants or in support of the Irish Republican Army ( IRA) or the Ulster Volunteer Force ( UVF).

There had been a lot of bad behaviour connected to football.

The government thought that having a new offence would stop this type of behaviour.

Some people say the law is not clear and unfairly targets football supporters.

Some people say that the football clubs should be able to deal with this behaviour themselves, and that really bad behaviour is already covered by other laws.

At the moment Parliament is thinking about whether the Act should be scrapped.

Question 7

Do you think that singing songs like that or waving offensive banners or making gestures should be a criminal offence?

Yes / No

If so, what kind of behaviour should be criminalised?

Football clubs have to agree to control their fans.

Some clubs think that it would be helpful if they could ask the court to ban fans who have behaved badly from attending matches.

This is called a football banning order.

Question 8

Do you think a football club should be able to apply to the court for a football banning order?

Yes / No

Please tell us why?