But surely you see that by exaggerating the actions of the Police on the day, on the ground, they damage their own credibility and dilute their own argument? They seem to be using the "Brutality" and "Sheer naked aggression" doled out by the Stasi as one of the reasons why the law should be changed. Their arguments against the law are being modified as events unfold.
I see it as two separate arguments. The behaviour of the police on 16 March was not under the auspices of the offensive behaviour legislation. I don't think one adds nor detracts from the strength of either argument. The arguments against the legislation have been consistent from its introduction as a bill, becoming statute and in its application. The argument against the behaviour of the police on 16 March is entirely separate. Was it brutality... From what I have seen I think it is a hard one to make stick. Was it necessary and proportionate, I would say not.
It is his opinion that the law is "mince" but he can't throw out a case just because he doesn't "like" the law. And yes, the debate is over, why don't you go home?
That's entirely fair but I just happen to think they are undermining their own argument by blowing things out of proportion, "Brutality" is far too strong a word (based upon what I have seen of course) they are talking as if they are the Tolpuddle Martys.
If you are seeing as being a distraction and detracting from the argument then it necessarily follows that it is exactly what it is. From what I have seen on YouTube etc I would think that any enquiry will exonerate the police on the ground, then we'll see incredulity and accusations of bias/ prejudice and a whole load more negative thoughts being reinforced within our support. I would put money on it.
http://fansagainstcriminalisation.blogspot.co.uk/ Fans Against Criminalisation are delighted to announce plans to release the single ‘’Roll of Honour’’ in association with The Irish Brigade for the duration of the week beginning on 8th of February. This single will be available for download on iTunes. We would like to thank the band for kindly allowing us to use their song to help aid our campaign against the criminalisation of football supporters and the suppression of political expression. Download the Roll of Honour any time in the week 8 -15 February inclusive and let’s get it into the UK Top 40 Singles Charts and embarrass the hypocrites who seek to criminalise us. This particular song is a ballad about civil resistance and a struggle for basic human rights and it has been a favourite of the Celtic support for over a decade. Shamefully, the SNP’s Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act has resulted in the song becoming a target for Police Scotland and numerous arrests have been made as a result. From its outset FAC has sought to oppose this discriminatory piece of legislation and to defend the rights of football supporter’s which have been continually eroded since the Act’s introduction. We call on the Celtic family from all corners of the globe to support this campaign by downloading the single to help raise funds to aid the legal costs of those whose lives are being torn apart by this disgracefully illiberal law and to help further publicise the hypocrisy inherent within the government’s position. Fans Against Criminalisation
Lives being torn apart because you've been told not to sing certain songs? I feel more upset for the Spurs fans who aren't allowed to shout "Yid Army" any more.
I don't understand your point to be honest. People are being brought before the courts for espousing a legitimate political position. Meanwhile other political positions are readily accepted and indeed endorsed. Plus, Celtic fans are far more likely to be the subject of Scotch legislation than Spurs fans. So I don't get your point.
