Glasgow pubs face ban on displaying team colours

Glasgow pubs could face a ban on displaying the colours of Rangers or Celtic under plans set out by the City's Licensing Board.

The board has launched a public consultation on pub and bars which display material is linked with Catholic or Protestant causes.

The City's two major football clubs have been working to bring and end to the sectarian clashes which have often led to violence when the two sides meet. Board convener Councillor Gordon Macdiarmid said: "We believe there is support from the public and the trade for firm action to be taken against any licenceholder who engages in or permits such conduct that can be construed as sectarian."

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said Glasgow licensees would support the initiative as long as it is applied sensibly.

He said: "There's certainly no room in the trade for sectarianism; the issue is defining that. There are plenty of well-run pubs in Glasgow that are traditionally Celtic or Rangers pubs, where supporters regularly meet without any trouble."

The consultation will take in the trade, as well as police, churches, football clubs, and community organisations.

Mr Waterson said: "It's important that we focus on dealing with those premises where there's a problem."