Consultation on 'hooligan' laws

There has been trouble at some Linfield v Glentoran matches in recent years

New laws to tackle hooliganism at sports grounds in Northern Ireland could be in place by next year.

The government has launched a 19-week consultation on the plans which would bring NI into line with England and Wales.

The proposals include outlawing offensive chanting, restricting the availability of alcohol and stopping pitch invasions.

The new laws would apply to football, rugby and GAA stadiums.

Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins said: "Our purpose is to help clubs and sporting bodies address unacceptable behaviour by a small minority of spectators who attend events only to cause trouble.

"The powers will include a soccer banning order regime that would prevent trouble-makers from attending matches at home and abroad and will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK."

The key proposals are:

• Fines of up to £1000 for throwing objects, invading a pitch or singing hateful songs

• A ban on drinking alcohol at some events and a ban on bringing flares or other dangerous items into a ground. Breaches could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 or three months in jail

• Outlawing ticket touting at football matches

• Giving the courts the power to ban convicted hooligans from specified football matches

The closing date for the consultation is 30 November.