The ins and outs of this bill are being discussed the length and breadth of dosserdom no doubt, with fans arguing both sides of the coin but our belief is that the authorities cannot even implement the existing powers in a fair and rational manner. What chance then of a new, ill thought out and obviously premature bill being fit for purpose.
All that will happen is that ordinary fans could find themselves unfairly targeted in the drive to combat sectarianism, while the intended targets are largely ignored, just as they are now. We all want action against sectarianism but it has to be done properly. This bill, as with everything the authorities in this country seem to do, will not make much of a difference to the thousands of Old Firm fans who go largely protected by their massive crowds. Police officers have openly admitted they don’t want to go into an Old Firm support for fear of sparking further unrest. Therefore it stands to reason that this will continue under the new laws, but to make it look like it’s working smaller crowds like ours will find themselves targets as has happened in the past.
But aside from all that issue 93 of the No’ too bad fanzine offers more of the same nonsense really. Nothing much changes down No.9 way. We still get upset with referees, officialdom in general and the state of the game in Scotland, but we have our usual diversion into the ridiculous with a humorous (we hope) look at the sartorial exploits of Big Shaun AKA The Heid AKA Biffa. A get well soon message for Bambi (Steven Saunders) and a wee congrats to Stevie Hammell for his milestone 400th appearance shows that we can be gentle though.
All in all this is the best issue since the last one so hopefully you’ll make this the first one you’ve bought since that one as well. See you outside the ground on Saturday.
Still only £1, cheap at half the price
Mj