Fans, Risk and Responsibility

Let's be blunt: the behaviour that gets us into headlines is the fans' fault. That doesn't mean clubs, police and authorities can shrug and say 'nothing could be done'. If you're responsible for risk management you have to peel back to the root cause and apply sensible controls where the risk is higher. Past problems mean future matches need a different level of care.

Root cause: a match that always carries risk

At the simplest level the root cause here is obvious — Rangers played Celtic. You can't cancel the fixture every time tensions run high. It's part of the game and it always will be. But that reality doesn't absolve anyone of the obligation to plan for predictable risks. If there have been repeat incidents, then the baseline risk is up and external controls should reflect that.

Behaviour, alcohol and bad actors

Most supporters are fine. They travel, sing, and watch the match. But add drink, sometimes drugs, and the odd person who wants trouble and the moral compass slips for a minority. That's the group that causes mayhem. They aren't interested in football; they're looking for an occasion. The job of stewards, police and clubs is to reduce the chances they can act — through sensible stewarding, segregation where necessary, targeted intelligence and firm sanctions when rules are broken.

Shared responsibility and practical steps

There has to be a shared effort. Fans must hold their own to account. Clubs should work with authorities to tighten predictable weak points. That might mean more visible controls around exits, clearer messaging beforehand, and actually using the power to ban or punish those who cross the line. To be fair, none of this is simple or cheap. But when the alternative is damaging scenes and reputational harm, doing nothing isn’t an option.

Truth is, blame can sit with supporters and still demand a practical response from everyone involved. Reduce the thug element where you can. That’s what we should be doing — and what the opposition should do too.

Written by geesadodothat: 10 April 2026