bbc.com
Celtic Hires Safety Advisors After Fan Complaints Over Old Firm Policing
Celtic FC hired independent safety consultants Fairhurst to review fan complaints about policing at their March 16th Old Firm match, where 90 fans were denied entry after refusing searches under Section 60 powers.
- What were the immediate consequences of the policing actions at the Old Firm match on March 16th?
- Following fan complaints about policing at a recent Old Firm match, Celtic FC hired independent safety consultants Fairhurst to review the situation. Ninety fans were denied entry to Celtic Park after refusing searches, prompting the club's response.
- How did the use of Section 60 powers contribute to fan complaints and the subsequent investigation?
- The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fan safety and policing at high-profile football matches. The use of Section 60 powers, resulting in numerous denials of entry, underscores the tension between maintaining order and ensuring fan rights. Celtic's action demonstrates a commitment to addressing supporter concerns.
- What long-term implications might this review have on fan safety protocols and police-fan relations at future football matches?
- This review could influence future policing strategies at similar events, potentially impacting fan experience and safety protocols. The findings may lead to changes in communication and crowd control procedures. This incident serves as a case study for ongoing debates around policing and fan behavior at football matches.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening sentence immediately frame the story around fan complaints and Celtic's response. This prioritizes the club's perspective and reaction over the broader context of the event or the police perspective. The article's structure emphasizes the complaints and the club's actions to address them, potentially downplaying the police justification for their actions.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, though phrases like "special powers" and "significant number of pyrotechnics" could be considered slightly loaded. While not overtly biased, these phrases subtly frame the police actions in a more serious light. Neutral alternatives could include "additional powers" or "a quantity of pyrotechnics".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the police actions and Celtic's response, but omits perspectives from Rangers fans or other stakeholders involved in the events outside the stadium. It doesn't detail the nature of the "significant number of pyrotechnics" seized, nor the specific types of disruptions anticipated or experienced. The lack of these details limits a complete understanding of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the situation, focusing on the dichotomy of police actions versus fan complaints. It doesn't explore the complexities of crowd management, the potential for escalation, or alternative approaches to maintaining order. The implied choice is between accepting the police actions or joining the complaints, without much nuance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative demonstrates a commitment to ensuring fan safety and fair treatment, which aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. By investigating fan complaints and implementing measures to improve safety and security, Celtic is working towards creating a more just and safe environment for its supporters.