BAN THEM FOR LIFE

Sheriff called for new law after cup final rammy, Critics blame government on trouble at Ibrox

- PAUL HUTCHEON

THE SNP government has been accused of burying a report calling for pitch invasions to be criminalised.

First Minister John Swinney has now been urged to step up and back a crackdown after violence erupted at the recent Old Firm game.

Back in 2016, retired sheriff Edward Bowen was asked to compile a report on the pitch invasion after that year's cup final between Hibs and Rangers.

He made a strong recommendation for a new law to crack down on pitch invaders with bans and heavy fines for wrongdoers. But the SNP government refused to act.

Now Lib Dem MSP Jamie Greene says a change in the law is vital to keep fans and players safe. He said: "If somebody gets a six-month suspended sentence and a £1000 fine and a lifetime ban for going on to the pitch, your pal sitting next to you is going to think twice about it next time. It would act as a deterrent."

Swinney hit out at this month's pitch invasion after the Scottish Cup quarterfinal between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. A number of arrests were made as yobs clashed and stewards and cops were attacked after Celtic won a penalty shootout.

But the SNP government is now facing questions about its response to a call in 2016 for a standalone criminal offence to be created for pitch invasion.

Nearly 200 arrests were made after thousands of Hibs fans stormed the Hampden pitch in 2016 to celebrate a first Scottish Cup win in 114 years, followed by Rangers fans.