I’ve just caught Joe O’Rourke’s article on the Association site about the long-awaited released of statistics on sectarian crime in Scotland. Joe suggests that the data from 2003 – 2010 was has been destroyed by the Crown Office. I also hear that the Scottish Government will release entirely irrelevant ‘information’ today, specifically, where offences took place, not which groups were responsible or which groups were targeted by the offenders.
It takes a lot of effort to make sure you destroy data these days, you need to ensure not only that prosecutors permanently delete backups (which I really doubt they do) but also that the police similarly comply.
Fortunately all is not lost. While it’s just about believable that regional police forces across Scotland and the Crown Office have acted in symmetry on this issue, I could have helped the First Minister, Alex Salmond’s, search for clarity by pointing him in the direction of British Transport Police (BTP). The Transport Police are a separate force who operate across Britain and are run by the Home Office in London. They are also a lot less proficient at destroying data.
They previously gave me detailed statistics on all incidents they record in connection with Scottish football for season 2007-08. One of the most pleasing aspects of the information is the complete eradication of sectarian offences from all but one Scottish club, so the First Minister will be delighted to learn he has a smaller problem on his hands than he perhaps knew. According to BTP, 11 arrests were made for sectarian offences in total, 10 Rangers fans and one Northern Ireland fan.
You can see the detail figures for all recorded incidents here (the majority of which are for non-sectarian issues). From a total of 99 incidents (not all of which resulted in arrest), there were six involving Celtic fans, six for Dundee United, seven for Motherwell, four for Hibernian and five each for Aberdeen and Hearts. Rangers fans were involved in a total of 48 incidents.
The BPT figures also make it clear that most incidents occur when fans travel to away venues. The Force also confirmed that incidents surrounding the 2008 Uefa Cup final in Manchester were not included in these statistics.
To further aid Mr Salmond in his search for clarity on this issue, he can contact British Transport Police with a Freedom of Information request here, where they will be able to provide him (or you) with up to date stats.
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Lunch over
*slopes back to work reluctantly*
God Bless Glasgow Celtic
voguepunter
easy now boy, its a female
What colour is the brick?
hail hail
Estadio
Paul 67..right on the money with the article,wonderful,well done!
with regards to the supposed “crack police unit” being allocated to monitor our travelling support,what special crack skills do they indeed possess? extranormal hearing abilities?..how were they trained? with upturned glasses against doors?..who is their mentor?.has the secret Xman and friend of ours Eerio turned?.I think we should be told,would a freedom of information request to the scottish police force reveal the nature and make up of this “crack” unit?
DumboCSC
Paul67 – to quote the name of a well known TV program – Absolutely Fabulous
This is great stuff
But deep down – you and I both know the first Minister is aware of this statistic
67ECW
Estadio
manor brown
Estadio
I liked your wee post about self discovery and personal truth. We can complain about our lot in life or we can be grateful for the opportunities a country such as this (UK or Scotland) provides. There are many, many countries where we couldn’t be free to explore our beliefs and faiths, or lackthereof, and it’s the bit of this discussion which is sadly missing.
Those that are missing it don’t realise it’s pretty much the key to the whole debate, amongst other things.
Seville,
Your post last night, sorry I can’t recall the time, was a real cracker. Some great points made and how could anyone disagree with such a reasoned position.
Paul,
I think i’ve missed some news…. is it being claimed that two public bodies have lost 7 years worth of data? Is this not covered by the Data Protection Act and should the information commissioner not have a view. I can imagine that there is no obligation to maintain certain kinds of analysis, which this data may simply be. However, the arrest records are a different matter. If this kind of info was lost in my industry we’d face a significant fine and jobs would certainly be in jeopardy.
Reading between the lines, I’d assume that the analysis is missing but the data isn’t. So, really I think it would be appropriate if the re-analysed the data, and confirmed that this info isn’t actually missing. If they can’t do that, then they should be fined by the DPC and those responsible should be held to account.
Beginning to despise this topic now. We are now in the realm of politics and such semantic obsfucation is commonplace… lazy journalism of course doesn’t help.
johann murdoch says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:06
youve misread that it should be
“cack Police Unit”
Mort
Got his sash caught in the window going up… :)
Kittoc
Damn! I’ll need to think of another answer.
I’ve never seen a blonde sh*te house?
Hail Hail
Estadio
Answer
The brick doesn’t follow you home after you lay it.
Estadio
you can use it … Just reproduced by me like always.
Hail Hail
Just been to the gym. They’ve got a new machine in, I only used it for half an hour and then I started to feel sick.
It’s great though. It does everything – KitKats, Mars Bars, Snickers, Potato Crisps, Coca cola the lot..”
Kittoch
Neither would the blonde if she was covered in cement and walloped from head to toe with a trowel!
Hail hail
Estadio
ASonOfDan says:
18 November, 2011 at 13:06
I am with you not a fan of Samaras – but ok last 2 weeks
Story goes – he was told if not selected he would have to go back to “bankrupt” Greece
This is why he has pulled his finger out
67ECW
http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=1765
Celtic FC Statement
FOLLOWING the release today of figures by the Scottish Government relating to charges under Section 74 of the Criminal Justice Scotland Act 2003 for the year 2010-2011, Celtic Football Club have released the following statement.
“Celtic Football Club welcomes the Crime and Justice report issued today. However, for clarity it is important to explain these figures and place these in context.
”It is noted that Celtic Park is mentioned as being the location for 47 charges. Fourteen of these offences relate to Celtic supporters, with 33 relating to supporters of visiting teams. (figs. provided by the Information Sharing Protocol with Strathclyde Police).
”To again put this in context, during that period approximately one million Celtic supporters visited the stadium, and approximately 35,000 supporters of away teams have attended Celtic Park.
”It is important also to stress that the 14 Celtic supporters involved have all been banned from Celtic Park.
“The vast majority of religiously-aggravated crime does not take place in or around football stadia, with 90 offences reported at stadia out of a total of 693 offences.
”The claim that 231 offences are ‘football-related’ also needs further analysis. The majority of ´football-related´ offences take place away from football stadia .
”In addition, more than 60 per cent of the total number of offences are alcohol-related. It is clear, therefore, that this also re-enforces Celtic´s long-held view that sectarianism and religious prejudice are societal issues and cannot be laid predominantly at the door of football.
”Clearly, as a club open to all since its formation in 1888, Celtic will continue to work strenuously against all forms of bigotry and religious prejudice.
“While the vast majority of offences at Celtic Park have been committed by visiting supporters, it is important that our own support understands that any form of sectarian behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Celtic´s traditions of tolerance, diversity and openness are something we hold very dear and are fundamental to the Club´s ethos.”
Paul67,
Excellent stuff once more. That’s real investigative journalism. Oh that someone with the authority in the SNP could produce those stats which TBB assures us are still out there. Personally, until they do and the SNP really look at MacAskill and Grahame, they can sing and chant all they want and any tune they like; they won’t be getting my vote.
This talk of a crack police squad has brought back memories of Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen)
are they one and the same?
Frank Drebin:
Mimi Du Jour: “Is this some kind of bust?”
Frank Drebin: “Yes, ma’am, it’s very impressive, but we need to ask you a few questions.”
Corrigan of Corrigan:
What figures?
SSN…….
Update
Celtic fan blamed for hole in ozone layer.
But Derek Johnstone comes to the rescue and fills in, with his big fat a*se
Mort,
Thank you for publishing that. I wonder of the DR will mention, let alone publish it.
Sorry if posted
Celtic Football Club Statement
By: Newsroom Staff on 18 Nov, 2011 13:58
FOLLOWING the release today of figures by the Scottish Government relating to charges under Section 74 of the Criminal Justice Scotland Act 2003 for the year 2010-2011, Celtic Football Club have released the following statement.
“Celtic Football Club welcomes the Crime and Justice report issued today. However, for clarity it is important to explain these figures and place these in context.
”It is noted that Celtic Park is mentioned as being the location for 47 charges. Fourteen of these offences relate to Celtic supporters, with 33 relating to supporters of visiting teams. (figs. provided by the Information Sharing Protocol with Strathclyde Police).
”To again put this in context, during that period approximately one million Celtic supporters visited the stadium, and approximately 35,000 supporters of away teams have attended Celtic Park.
”It is important also to stress that the 14 Celtic supporters involved have all been banned from Celtic Park.
“The vast majority of religiously-aggravated crime does not take place in or around football stadia, with 90 offences reported at stadia out of a total of 693 offences.
”The claim that 231 offences are ‘football-related’ also needs further analysis. The majority of ´football-related´ offences take place away from football stadia .
”In addition, more than 60 per cent of the total number of offences are alcohol-related. It is clear, therefore, that this also re-enforces Celtic´s long-held view that sectarianism and religious prejudice are societal issues and cannot be laid predominantly at the door of football.
”Clearly, as a club open to all since its formation in 1888, Celtic will continue to work strenuously against all forms of bigotry and religious prejudice.
“While the vast majority of offences at Celtic Park have been committed by visiting supporters, it is important that our own support understands that any form of sectarian behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Celtic´s traditions of tolerance, diversity and openness are something we hold very dear and are fundamental to the Club´s ethos.”
Again sorry for taking up valuable space with that.
Parkheadcumsalford at 14:20
Ha, I think you know better than that.
To put these figures into context, for every 71,000 Celtic supporters, 1 is arrested.
For every 1060 away supporters, 1 is arrested.
Away supporters are 67 times more likely to be arrested at Celtic Park.
Mort
So you are roughly sixty (60) times more likely to be arrested at Celtic Park for a religiously aggravated crime if you are an away supporter, than if you are a Celtic supporter? Says it all really.
snap
Mort says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:17
Celtic FC Statement
Well said Celtic.
KEEP PUSHING IT
Looking forward to watching the Tic tomorrow with a wee bit of trepidation, maybe its just my genetic paranoia field kicking in,
But
the media will be awatching and alistening
And
Pc Teuchter Plod will be awaiting
Sunday Mail headlines anyone?
MikeyBhoy says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:24
So you are roughly sixty (60) times more likely to be arrested at Celtic Park for a religiously aggravated crime if you are an away supporter, than if you are a Celtic supporter? Says it all really.
——————————
obviously it says the the police/government, that they need to arrest mor celtic supporters to ‘even things up’
Does anyone know what the 14 Celtic fans convicted of aggravated crimes at Celtic Park were accused of?
Did the aggravation in any case depend on the use of either of the words hun or orange?
And who was the oppostion?
Be afraid, be very afraid.
You can like it our lump it, WE have Irish roots. THEY choose to lump it and are putting the foot down.
Sinister, Whatever next, Dont wear a Celtic top in public as it offends ¾ of the Scottish population.
I don’t sing the songs, thats down to the fact that Im not a very good singer, slightly overweight and look like a bit of a fud when attempting to sing.
I also appreciate the fact that some supporters cringe on hearing them. I understand that view point.
But right now we ALL need to be united in the face of what is basically a victimisation of everything Celtic and Irish.
We need to stand together on this, compromise for each others sake.
Cause as a proud Irishman once said, “ THIS IS JUST THE BEGINING”
UNITED, WE’LL NEVER BE DEFEATED
PATRIA O MUERTE
Mort says:
18 November, 2011 at 14:24
‘Away supporters are 67 times more likely to be arrested at Celtic Park.’
What a fitting multiplier.
And they say there is no God.
Very clever response from Celtic regarding latest data stitch up on sectarian offences, although you won’t see it published like that anywhere else.
We need to get this info along with Paul67’s info from transport police out to a bigger audience , because the laptop loyal certainly won’t touch it.
Ernie
Are you an economist ?
It´s a fitting factor not multiplier ? ;-)
Hail Hail
FC Sion’s Europa League ban has been upheld by a court in Switzerland.
The Swiss club were thrown out of the competition for fielding ineligible players in their qualifying tie against Celtic, leading to the Scottish side’s reinstatement.
Two courts had ruled Sion could register six players despite a Uefa-imposed transfer ban and should be reinstated in the Europa League.
But world governing body Fifa appealed successfully to the higher court.
Sion’s hopes of a Europa League return rest on a 24 November hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
The six players joined Sion in the close season when the club was serving a ban – lasting two transfer windows – for breaching rules in the signing of Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary in 2008.
Continue reading the main story
The Valais cantonal court in Sion…fully upheld the appeal submitted by Fifa and the Swiss Football League
Fifa statement
The players won the right to play in August after taking their case to a court in Martigny, Switzerland, and the club won an injunction ordering their reinstatement at a further hearing at one of the country’s civil courts, this time in Vaud.
As a result, the Swiss Football League (SFL) backed down from enforcing the Fifa ban in domestic competitions.
But Fifa announced in a statement that their appeal against the Martigny ruling had been successful.
“The Valais cantonal court in Sion overturned the decision of the civil court of Martigny and St Maurice of 3 August in its entirety and fully upheld the appeal submitted by Fifa and the Swiss Football League,” said the statement.
Uefa insisted that Cas was the only valid authority with jurisdiction over the matter, after Sion claimed Uefa denied the club access to an “independent and impartial judge” and breached the players’ working rights under the European Union-Swiss treaty.
Sion are being helped in their case against Uefa by Jean-Louis Dupont, the lawyer who won the landmark Jean-Marc Bosman ruling in 1995.
If their appeal to Cas is successful, Uefa would have to find a way of reinstating Sion in the Europa League, which is currently two-thirds of the way through the group stages, with knockout rounds to follow next year.
It’s not a coincidence that the government figures released this morning highlighted Celtic Park as the football ground at which most offences took place. Nor is it a coincidence that the government report failed to mention that more than 70% of those offences were committed by visiting supporters.
The govt. statistical report did not give the details of the arrests made at Celtic Park which showed that the culprits were predominantly non-Celtic fans.
The club statement highlights them and for good measure cites the police as the source.
Why did the govt. report not include the details?
Stupid question?
CelticFirst
I have a crack team of officers monitoring every word you write.