A ROMAN Catholic footballer who blessed himself during a match has been cautioned by police after it was decided his behaviour had been provocative and had led to crowd trouble.

Fans complained after Artur Boruc, the Polish goalkeeper for Glasgow Celtic, crossed himself during a derby with arch-rivals Rangers at Ibrox stadium, Rangers’ home ground, in February.

The teams have strong religious associations, Celtic seen as Catholic and Rangers as Protestant. As crossing oneself is a Catholic tradition, it might be seen as provocative by some Rangers fans. Boruc is a practising Catholic and says he has always made such gestures while playing.

After an investigation by the procurator fiscal — the Scottish crown prosecutor — it was decided that Boruc’s behaviour provoked alarm and crowd trouble and constituted a breach of the peace, but not one serious enough to warrant court action.

The decision, which leaves Boruc with a criminal record, was condemned by religious leaders. “The sign of the cross is globally accepted as a gesture of religious reverence,” said Peter Kearney, for the Catholic church in Scotland.

“It was commonplace at the World Cup.”

The incident involving Boruc, 26, took place at the start of the second half of the match on February 12. It followed a decision by Jack McConnell, the Scottish first minister, to introduce laws criminalising behaviour aggravated by religious prejudice.

The outpouring of sectarian hatred and violence at Old Firm matches was one of the reasons for the new laws.

However, critics say that using the law against players simply for making the sign of the cross is going too far.

Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National party, said he would be demanding an explanation from the procurator fiscal service.

“Crossing yourself cannot possibly be considered a breach of the peace,” he said. “It is a religious sign and has international recognition. It is ludicrous. If they had taken this to court then it would have been laughed out.”

However the Rangers Supporters’ Group said it was disappointed the player had not been disciplined by his club.

“Professional footballers are meant to set an example,” said Stephen Smith, a spokesman for the group. “He was provocative, as if the fixture isn’t volatile enough.”

Radoslaw Osuch, Boruc’s agent, said the player was surprised at the investigation and the verdict.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Donor organ allowed child’s own heart to heal
• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating