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Judges condemned as too soft on sectarian football violence

Scotland's judges were criticised by anti-sectarian campaigners last night when it was revealed that fewer than 5 per cent of football banning orders applied for by the police to combat hooliganism have been granted by the courts.

As Glasgow braces itself for another Old Firm match on 2 January, critics say the figures raise fresh doubts over how committed Scotland is when it comes to acting against religious bigotry. Since September 2006, just nine banning orders have been issued, although they were applied for in 221 criminal cases. A further two football banning orders were granted in civil cases, while another 79 are still being processed through the courts.

Full story at The Observer.