A service which tackles sectarianism by confronting football fans about their attitudes and behaviours is to be extended across the country after backing from the Scottish Government.
Community safety charity Sacro has been awarded £67,000 to deliver its anti-sectarianism service on a national basis.
The scheme diverts people charged under the controversial law about offensive behaviour at football matches from prosecution and currently operates in North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Falkirk and Stirling.
Sacro's service manager Sandra Lindsay said: "Thanks to this additional funding, Sacro will be able to develop its Diversion from Prosecution Service as a national service for people who are charged under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communication (Scotland) Act 2012.
"Sectarianism has no place in modern day Scotland. By engaging directly with people, we help them to identify their behaviours and understand these behaviours and attitudes are not acceptable. Sacro's structured programme encourages positive behaviour change to bring about a reduction in offending."
Already funded by the Scottish Government to tackle intra-Christian sectarian offending, the programme is voluntary but participants facing criminal charges will still go to court if they fail to pass the programme.
The service can also be used as part of a sentencing disposal within a Children's Hearing or Sheriff Court and is suitable for any individual from the age of 12 years who has been charged with committing a sectarianism offence.
The course is based around modules which can be completed in groups or on a one-to-one basis. The structured programme is based on behavioural and attitudinal change, using cognitive behavioural intervention techniques. The sessions support the individual to understand why they behave in a specific way and take ownership of their attitude and behaviours to ensure positive changes.
A pilot scheme across the central belt demonstrated improved attitudes and behaviour among participants, none of whom committed further sectarian offences, or indeed offended at all subsequently.
Figures for 2013-14 show that of the 203 people charged under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act, over 70 per cent were aged between 12 and 24.
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