​Scottish courts are set to receive tougher powers to impose football banning orders (FBOs) as part of a plan to enhance safety and conduct at matches. The Scottish government has signalled its intention to extend the use of FBOs to cover additional offences, including the display of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions, and the throwing of missiles. This move follows a consultation that attracted more than 900 responses, with broad support from football authorities and Police Scotland for a wider application of the powers. However, some supporters have voiced concerns about expanding banning orders and contested claims that behaviour in stadiums is deteriorating.
Football banning orders were first introduced in 2006, though their use has declined in recent years. They empower courts to restrict individuals convicted of football violence or disorder from attending matches anywhere in the United Kingdom. In the context of recent events, the debate over FBOs has intensified amid high-profile incidents at Scottish football matches.
Earlier this year, the chairman of Celtic publicly dismissed what he dubbed “artificial controversy” surrounding a pitch invasion, while Celtic later apologised to Hearts for the incident in which fans ran onto the pitch at the end of Celtic’s 3-1 victory, which secured them the Premiership title. Hearts players left the stadium quickly after the match and described the atmosphere as “menacing and threatening.” In May, Celtic, along with other clubs including Motherwell, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Stenhousemuir, and Hamilton Academical, faced penalties such as fines or suspended crowd reductions related to pitch incursions.
There have also been injuries to supporters and police officers after an Old Firm clash in Glasgow when fans from both sides clashed on the pitch following a Scottish Cup tie in March. Community safety minister Kirsten Oswald noted that recent high-profile pitch invasions and the ongoing use of pyrotechnics illustrate the difficulties facing police, football authorities, and clubs. She added that the vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and behave commendably, but a small minority engage in anti-social and criminal behaviour that undermines the fan experience and jeopardises the safety of players, officials, and all in attendance. Oswald emphasised that football is Scotland’s national sport and that the government aims to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone by introducing targeted legislation.
BBC Scotland News figures obtained last year indicated that only five FBOs were issued between August 2024 and February 2025, marking a decline from 37 in the 2023/24 season and 59 in 2022/23. An SPFL spokesperson commented that focusing on specific offences—such as pyrotechnics, pitch invasions, and missile throwing—would contribute to improvements in safety and order on match days. The government’s forthcoming legislation seeks to codify these offences clearly, enabling courts to apply FBOs more consistently and extending their reach across the UK to deter and punish those who threaten the safety and integrity of Scottish football.