Story perspectives

Scotland bans Rangers fans Graham and Smith for five years

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scotland’s courts banned Rangers fans Mackenzie Graham and John Smith from all UK football grounds for five years.
They admitted breaching the peace after disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March.
Graham received a two-year community payback and an electronic tag.
Smith received a 12-month community payback and a four-month liberty restriction.
Procurator Fiscal Fraser Gibson warned football-related disorder will be prosecuted by COPFS and Police Scotland.

History

Historical Context

The Heysel Stadium disaster on 29 May 1985 killed 39 fans and prompted UEFA to bar English clubs from European competition for five years. The UK Parliament passed the Football Spectators Act in 1989, giving police power to fine and ban disorderly fans. Scottish courts this year issued five-year bans on two Rangers supporters for breaching peace at Ibrox, echoing the post-Heysel approach.

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Story summary

Scotland’s courts banned Rangers fans Mackenzie Graham and John Smith from all UK football grounds for five years.
They admitted breaching the peace after disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March.
Graham received a two-year community payback and an electronic tag.
Smith received a 12-month community payback and a four-month liberty restriction.
Procurator Fiscal Fraser Gibson warned football-related disorder will be prosecuted by COPFS and Police Scotland.

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