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A wide-ranging review into the disorder that marred March's chaotic Old Firm clash has called for a ‘major shake-up' of safety and security measures across Scottish football.
The report argues stronger sanctions are needed to tackle fan violence and hold clubs more accountable for supporter behaviour.
Damning Old Firm disorder review calls for tougher sanctions
An independent review into the disorder surrounding the Old Firm match at Ibrox Stadium on 8th March has recommended tougher punishments, including stadium closures, stand closures and new football banning orders.
As reported by the Daily Record, security expert Mark Blackbourne's report concludes that Scottish football's current disciplinary framework does not do enough to discourage unacceptable supporter behaviour, arguing clubs are too often insulated from the actions of their fans.
Among the headline recommendations is the introduction of an automatic sanctions system based on a rolling three-year period, with section closures becoming the standard first response for confirmed incidents and stadium closures available for repeat offences.
The report also calls for clubs to take greater responsibility for ultra groups, proposing that teams should be required to formally sanction supporter groups involved in disorder or face disciplinary action themselves.
Other proposals include the creation of a Joint Safety and Security body, the appointment of an Executive Head of Safety and Security for Scottish football, new Football Banning Orders covering offences such as pyrotechnics, tailgating, pitch incursions and face coverings, plus enhanced segregation measures including protective netting at high-risk fixtures.
Additional recommendations focus on improving away ticketing, transport registration for supporter coaches and clearer guidance for players around celebrations near opposition supporters.
FGG says: A significant moment for Scottish football
The report stops short of changing the rules itself, but its recommendations represent one of the most comprehensive overhauls of football safety proposed in Scotland for many years.
Whether every measure is adopted remains to be seen, but the review is likely to shape discussions for some time.
The challenge now is turning recommendations into practical policy, as any changes will need to strike the right balance between improving safety and preserving the atmosphere that makes Scottish football so unique.