Kilmarnock MP calls for tougher action on football disorder

Alan Brown, MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, raised the issue in Parliament and pressed for the introduction of strict liability, which would require football clubs to take greater responsibility for the behaviour of their fans.

He said: "The only way we will properly tackle the growing problem of disorder inside and around stadiums is by introducing strict liability so clubs are forced to take greater responsibility and supporters begin to self-police."

Mr Brown criticised the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and said its recent call for new legislation to criminalise pitch invasions was a "deflection tactic."

He pointed to the long-standing refusal of football authorities to consider strict liability in Scotland.

The MP added: "These incidents are becoming far too regular in Scottish football and we must get a grip of the situation before somebody is seriously hurt."