SFA could tighten fan regulations against sectarian singing

The SFA welcomed its league counterpart's announcement that it would review the policy on dealing with unacceptable conduct.

Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster had earlier admitted that Rangers were unlikely to face punishment for "shameful" anti-Catholic chanting in their Scottish Championship clash against Raith Rovers, as long as they could show they had done everything possible to prevent it.

There were calls this week for Scottish football to adopt UEFA's "strict liability" principles, which see clubs punished for supporter misdemeanours, regardless of preventative measures. The SFA tried to do exactly that in June 2013 but clubs would not support the change.

SFA president Campbell Ogilvie said: "The Scottish FA welcomes yesterday's statement from the Scottish Professional Football League confirming regulations regarding supporter misconduct - which has unfortunately again become an issue in recent weeks - will be reviewed and discussed next month.

"It is important that the game takes a collective stance against the kind of unacceptable behaviour that depicts Scottish football in a negative light, especially when there is a will among the respective bodies and member clubs to improve Scottish football's entertainment value to supporters and sponsors.

"It was for this reason that the Scottish FA board raised a resolution at its annual meeting in 2013. This resolution was not carried by the membership.

"Last year, a working group of representatives from the Scottish FA and SPFL approved a new set of guidelines intended to bridge the gap between existing rules and strict liability but, despite the best intentions, it appears these guidelines have not been effective.

"While jurisdiction for league competitions rests with the SPFL, the Scottish FA is happy to assist in the creation of more robust regulations."

Rangers this week told supporters that the chanting at Stark's Park was damaging the club and caretaker manager Kenny McDowall reinforced that message on the eve of their Scottish Championship clash at Falkirk.

McDowall said: "We don't condone that here at Rangers and the club has been working hard to eradicate that. By all means come and support your team but we don't need that. It's been a long-term now, not just our club."

The Union of Fans, which encompasses the main Rangers fans groups, also appealed to fans not to damage their reputation.

"A tiny section of fans have let the club down recently by reverting to damaging behaviour which is not only illegal but tarnishes the club," a statement read.

"Please think of Rangers ahead of anything else on Friday night. Help us to challenge attempts to smear the club by giving those who seek to damage us no ammunition.

"This will ensure, post EGM, that we can address the misinformation and constant sniping by certain individuals in the media who only seem to see fault in our club, whilst ignoring the open defiance of the rules by other clubs."

And Falkirk warned they would help police clamp down on any offences on Friday.

"It will come as no surprise that the police match commander has indicated that a "zero tolerance" approach will be in place regarding criminal behaviour and has indicated that additional resources both physical and technical will be made available before, during and after Friday night's game at the Falkirk Stadium.

"Falkirk Football Club is committed to eradicating all forms of inappropriate behaviour and will support Police Scotland in tackling this problem."