Demand to tackle sectarianism in NI sport

The British government today faced new demands to tackle sectarianism in Northern Ireland sport.

As Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy prepared to unveil hate crime legislation for the North at the Labour Party conference, the cross community Alliance Party urged the British government to go beyond mere rhetoric.

The party’s sports spokesman Michael Long said, as he travelled to Glasgow for meetings with the city’s two soccer giants Celtic and Rangers: “Alliance has consistently called for more action at a legislative level to tackle racist and sectarian chanting at matches.

“We would like to see the Football Offences Act (England and Wales), which outlaws racist abuse, extended to Northern Ireland and to include sectarian chanting as an offence.”

As well as holding talks with representatives of the Old Firm, Alliance’s delegation will meet Glasgow City Council, Strathclyde Police and the anti-sectarian charity, Nil By Mouth.

The Castlereagh councillor and his colleagues will discuss the measures taken by Rangers and Celtic to stamp out sectarianism inside and outside the terraces.

They will also discuss efforts by the police and the Scottish Executive, including the appointment of a full-time “Tsar” to tackle sectarianism, and a ban on ticket sales from outlets which sell paramilitary paraphernalia.

Earlier this week, Alliance leader David Ford met Liberal Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie in Edinburgh and others who have promoted crackdowns on sectarianism in Scotland.

Mr Long continued: “It seems ironic that whilst politicians in England, Scotland and Wales are pro-actively tackling racial and sectarian abuse, we in Northern Ireland, where there is a greater problem, have done little.

“Great promises are made when an incident hits the headlines, but the previous devolved executive, and now the government, have been big on rhetoric and short on action.

“The Irish Football Association have shown true commitment to improving community relations.

“However, their good work must be supported by action from political leaders. I would call on local ministers to look at developments in the rest of the UK and actually do something practical to tackle the issue.

“Scotland illustrates that steps can be taken towards eliminating sectarianism and racism in sport, if there is the political will."