STV NewsScott Brown believes football fans who wear balaclavas to games should be barred for life.
It was announced earlier this month that away fans won’t be permitted access to any Old Firm derby this season.
The move comes after the Scottish Football Association’s independent review into scenes after the Scottish Cup match in March, where fans from both sides spilled onto the pitch.
The former Celtic captain insists the magic of the derby has been lost as he issued a warning to supporters ahead of the first Old Firm of the new campaign, saying: “I think the passion of the two teams and the willingness to have the bragging rights, it’s now just going to be behind closed doors and there’s going to be no fans.
“I’m not a big thing for people running on the pitch and the violence and throwing stuff. That’s not part of the game, but we need to get back to that passion.
“You stay in your seat, enjoy the game, watch the scenario unfold in 90 minutes, sing, support your club, and after that, look, all is forgiven. Have the bragging rights with your mates and have a bit of banter.
“But look, it’s a game of football. It’s not a fighting game. It’s not a place to go and vent at people… that a few words that you don’t want to say and bring stuff in.
“You turn up with a balaclava, you deserve to be banished for the rest of your life.”
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