Goldie: Old Firm summit must be a turning point

Tomorrow there is a top-level summit to discuss serious disorder surrounding Old Firm games.

The summit follows on from a call by Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, at First Minister's Questions last week.

Annabel Goldie MSP said:

"When events on the pitch have such a devastating impact off the pitch, it is right that politicians unite to bring all the parties involved to the table to forge a way ahead. That is why it is right that the Scottish Government is facilitating this meeting.

"Both Old Firm clubs deserve credit for tackling the deep-rooted sectarian ills which have blighted Scotland for too long. There is still work to be done but progress has undoubtedly been made.

"However, as I said last week, the issue of domestic abuse must also be addressed. Strathclyde Police reported the Old Firm league clash from two weekends ago resulted in nearly double the number of incidents of domestic abuse compared to the average Sunday.

"Alcohol plays a part in domestic abuse but that can never be an excuse for such behaviour. There is a huge moral obligation on football clubs to set the highest examples of responsible behaviour.

"We must not turn a blind eye to this problem and I very much hope the summit proves to be a turning point in the fight against an unacceptable element of Scottish society."

Back to all posts