Scottish FA considering year-long ban plan for players guilty of racist or other behavior

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The measures are a response to a racist remark aimed at Rangers’ Glen Kamara last season

Players found guilty of racist or other discriminatory behavior could soon be banned for up to a year under a Scottish FA action plan.

Scottish football fans could also report racist, sectarian or other discriminatory behavior at matches via text message.

The Scottish FA is working on the plan with the 42 clubs of the SPFL.

Inclusion and Diversity Officer David McCardle told BBC Scotland that even one incident was “one too many”.

“We have seen in the last few weeks that these incidents are starting to surface within Scottish football and Scottish society,” he said.

“Whether it’s a big problem or a small problem, there are things happening that we need to root out to make our game safe and welcoming.”

The plan was drawn up following racist abuse suffered by Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara during his side’s Europa League game against Slavia Prague in Ibrox last season.

When asked why only a one-year ban was being considered for players, McCardle said: “Going from what we had before to a lifetime ban without any form of education to no potential culprits, we felt that by working with the PFA and working with players, we needed to take that next step.

“If a player is consistently accused of discrimination, it can be something that can be looked into.”

There have also been a number of allegations of the use of racist language by supporters at SPFL matches this season.

The Scottish FA’s text reporting idea aims to ensure that fans can report viewers who use discriminatory language without fear of intimidation.

McCardle believes it would not be a big financial burden on clubs and stressed the Scottish federation’s anti-discrimination measures are the next to be rolled out following recent action plans against homophobia and mental health .

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