In reaction to “abhorrent behaviour and chanting made by some supporters,” Hibernian has reduced the number of tickets available for away fans at its Easter Road stadium.
The Scottish Premiership team is calling for action to be taken against things like throwing objects into the field, using pyrotechnics, and sectarian singing.
Hibs claim that enough is enough, but when will the other clubs and people in charge of Scottish football truly have had enough of the unruly behavior of some of its supporters?
The Easter Road club’s earlier this week declaration was telling in its strength.
Those responsible for ensuring that football remains a secure and inclusive environment for all were not blind to the underlying frustration.
People in the SPFL and SFA are accustomed to receiving unwelcome attention for unwelcome issues, but not often from a member club with such a prominent reputation.
Without a doubt, Hibs have upset people, and by doing so, they have brought up the issue of strict culpability.
During Sunday’s encounter against Rangers, there were chants of sectarian protests audible while Hibs striker Martin Boyle was being treated.
The home fans were incensed at some of the sectarian shouts they heard during their Scottish Cup encounter against Rangers, so they released a statement urging everyone to take action.
While criticizing such and other shortcomings, Hibs were also eager to acknowledge that they were not without their own issues.
That much is obvious to everyone who witnessed the terrifying sight of the just flung bottle opener, lying in the turf next to Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland during the most recent Edinburgh derby.
Lighters, vape pens, and bottle openers have replaced the cash and pies of the past in modern stadiums jam-packed with security cameras. Although there are some arrests, the issue still exists.
That’s a similar tale told with fireworks.
Scent dogs have been sent out and warnings have been given, yet the smoke bombs and flares continue.
Regarding the matter formerly labeled as Scotland’s disgrace, few would contest that sectarianism remains a real and present problem within Scottish football stadiums in 2024.
Music that many believed to be exclusive to the 1970s and 1980s is making a comeback and is being shouted, apparently without opposition.
Lawrence Shankland is shown holding a lighter that hit him during last month’s Hearts vs. Hibs game at Tynecastle.
A number of justifications have been put forth to mitigate the apparent increase in inappropriate behavior in Scottish football.
pent-up, post-Covid frustrations, the contemporary social and political context, and the rise of the ultras culture.
Whatever the reason, the game’s age-old issues are still present along with a few brand-new ones.
Not much has changed in terms of trying to fix them either.
The advances in football governance have been summits and working groups.
The police have been warning people to get tough, and the Scottish government attempted to do so with the much-maligned Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, but it was unsuccessful.
Hibernian has recently announced that they will cut back on the amount of away tickets they provide for specific games; similar to other teams in previous years, they are manipulating figures.
Less fans ought to equal less opportunity for trouble and a higher likelihood of apprehending those who still cause it.
Broken seats in the away end during Motherwell and Celtic’s thrilling Premiership match at Fir Park in February
However, Hibs’ annoyance has forced them to think about strict liability, something that Scottish football has consistently opposed.
Under this approach, clubs may face consequences for the misbehavior of their supporters.
UEFA, the European regulatory body, has the authority to impose fines, remove points, and even close stadiums as necessary to administer the system in its championships.
Hibs will present their case at the association’s annual rule review, as requested by the SFA, even though they are aware that the SPFL and the governing body are not enthusiastic.
They are aware that the majority of clubs are willing to accept the loss and offer evidence that they made every effort to avoid it.
The police want more action from them, and that is what both governing bodies want to see happen.
The Scottish government looks on, sour from its past engagement and generally indifferent, expecting that football will resolve itself.
Hibs will now have to attempt where others have failed.
They will require support from others if they truly decide that enough is enough.
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