This case looks as though it belongs in some Chris Morris show or something:
A Muslim Rangers supporter who chanted sectarian remarks at a game at Ibrox Stadium has been fined £600.
Abdul Rafiq, 41, the only Muslim member of the English Defence League, was arrested at Rangers friendly game with Chelsea on 6 August.
[…] Fiscal depute Seana Doherty, prosecuting said: “The accused was standing in the Govan front stand wearing a flag around his shoulders bearing the Red Hand of Ulster logo.
“He was wearing an umbrella stand hat which was red white and blue and also had the Red Hand of Ulster logo on it, and carrying a blue Rangers backpack.
“He was seen by three police officers to stand up from the seat and chant sectarian phrases.”
The court was told Rafiq was warned by the officers to stop but continued and was arrested.
Defence lawyer Ashley Kane told the court: “Mr Rafiq is a member of the English Defence League, as a result of his membership to this and him being the only Muslim member of the organisation he does stand out.” Yeah, I guess he does stand out a bit.
Needless to say, this is ridiculous. I hold no brief for Mr Rafiq and care little for what one imagines his politics may be but if shouting “Fuck the Pope” or some such witticism is enough to prompt a guilty plea on charges of a “religiously aggravated breach of the peace” then it’s hard to see quite why the Scottish government needs to introduce any further legislation in this area. Indeed, in this instance it is hard to see why Mr Rafiq should be singled out for attention since one imagines he can’t have been the only Rangers fan expressing such sentiments in such a fashion. Consequently, this area of the law is marked by randomness and cannot avoid being appallingly capricious.
Anyway, chalk this up as another example of the grip ancient Irish feuds have on so many and how much fun these people have immersing themselves in them. It helps distract attention from the poverty of the football on display too.
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