![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/top-prosecutor-warns-fans-they-will-be-excluded-from-football-amid-worsening-behaviour/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_GettyImages-1236228780.jpg&description=Football-related criminality has become an increasing problem since fans returned to stadiums and the Crown Prosecution Service is taking proactive measures to combat it The UK's top sports prosecutor has warned fans they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law if the "profound rise" in football-related criminality continues. Douglas Mackay KC leads the Crown Prosecution Service's sports unit and has been taking a proactive response to a rising level of hate-filled abuse in the sport. Mackay recently issued fresh guidance around tragedy chanting, with fans to be handed banning orders if they are caught committing such an offence. It follows on from the updated guidance around the Chelsea Rent Boy chant, which was classified as a homophobic hate crime in January 2022. And as the Premier League season approaches, Mackay has urged fans to follow the rules. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, he said: "The CPS is a public body, we respond to the needs of the public. We're an ever-evolving organisation and this is something that is being brought to light by members of the public and football fans. "We felt that along with the Premier League's charter about behaviour on and off the pitch, that this was a really opportune moment to get out there and do our bit. Say that if people don't respond to the education piece, to the restorative justice piece and if criminal justice has to kick in, then we will be robust with it. "One particular reason we have to be robust with it is because I've had a lot of first hand experiences with people who have been at the wrong end of tragedy related chanting. "Having those first-hand conversations really brings home the impact of the families, not only of the bereaved, but on those who were there, on whole communities, on football clubs." The updated guidance around homophobic chanting has led to a number of successful prosecutions. And Mackay is hopeful that his tough stance on the issue can reverse the trend that has seen){kind=link}
Football-related criminality has become an increasing problem since fans returned to stadiums and the Crown Prosecution Service is taking proactive measures to combat it
The UK’s top sports prosecutor has warned fans they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law if the “profound rise” in football-related criminality continues.
Douglas Mackay KC leads the Crown Prosecution Service’s sports unit and has been taking a proactive response to a rising level of hate-filled abuse in the sport. Mackay recently issued fresh guidance around tragedy chanting, with fans to be handed banning orders if they are caught committing such an offence.
It follows on from the updated guidance around the Chelsea Rent Boy chant, which was classified as a homophobic hate crime in January 2022. And as the Premier League season approaches, Mackay has urged fans to follow the rules.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, he said: “The CPS is a public body, we respond to the needs of the public. We’re an ever-evolving organisation and this is something that is being brought to light by members of the public and football fans.