Football banning orders strengthened in pitch invasion and pyro crackdown

Football banning orders strengthened in pitch invasion and pyro crackdownImage source, SNSImage caption, A large-scale pitch invasion took place after Celtic's Premiership title decider against Hearts in MayPublished1 hour agoScottish courts are to be given tougher powers to impose football banning orders (FBOs) in a bid to improve safety and behaviour at matches.The Scottish government said it wants to extend the orders to cover specific offences including the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and throwing missiles.It follows a consultation which drew more than 900 responses, with football bodies and Police Scotland backing wider use of the powers.However, some supporters raised concerns about expanding banning orders and disputed suggestions that behaviour in stadiums is getting worse.Banning orders were introduced in 2006, although their use has fallen in recent years.They allow courts to restrict the ability of someone convicted of football violence or disorder to attend matches anywhere in the UK.Celtic chairman mocks 'artificial controversy' on pitch invasion AttributionSportPublished11 JuneCeltic apologise to Hearts over pitch invasionAttributionSportPublished17 MayThe Scottish Premiership title decider between Celtic and Hearts in May was marred by a large-scale pitch invasion at the end of the match.Celtic apologised to Hearts after fans ran onto the pitch at the conclusion of their 3-1 win, which saw them crowned Premiership winners.Hearts players left the stadium immediately after the match, later describing the atmosphere as "menacing and threatening".Celtic were later fined £7,500 and given a suspended ticket ban over the incident.The Glasgow club, along with fellow Premiership side Motherwell, newly-promoted Championship pair Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Stenhousemuir and League One side Hamilton Academical also received fines or suspended crowd reductions over pitch incursions in May.Supporters and police officers were...