Strict liability 'the only way' to end sectarian chants - Steven Naismith and Kenny Miller
- Published
Part of Ibrox will be closed for Rangers' home game with Legia Warsaw
Strict liability is "the only way" to end sectarian singing in Scottish football, say former Rangers strikers Kenny Miller and Steven Naismith.
Rangers will not take tickets for their next European away match after being hit with a second Uefa charge for "racist behaviour".
Strict liability in Scottish football would involve clubs being liable for the actions of their supporters.
"It needs to be a harsh punishment to rid it from our game," Naismith said.
"For years it has gone on and there's a fine, but the only way to deal with it is definitely harsh [measures] like stadium closures. That's the only way it will get through."
Rangers will discover their fate at a Uefa hearing on Friday, with the prospect of either playing their next home game behind closed doors or being banned from taking fans to their next away fixture.
That will be in the Europa League group phase next month after Steven Gerrard's side edged past Legia Warsaw.
It is unclear whether the Ibrox club's decision not to take a ticket allocation regardless will affect the verdict.
Hearts and Scotland striker Naismith believes the absence of away fans will "100% affect the team".
Rangers were forced to leave 3,000 seats empty for Thursday night's second leg against the Polish side at Ibrox as punishment for "sectarian chants" in their first-round tie against St Joseph's.
Last season, there were reports of sectarian singing in Scottish football at games including Hearts v Celtic, Celtic v Aberdeen, Rangers v Aberdeen, and Rangers v Kilmarnock.
"I think it will get to the point where Rangers are playing a home European tie with no fans in the stadium," Naismith added on Sportsound.
Miller, meanwhile, echoed his former Ibrox team-mate's sentiments on strict liability.
"If you want to try to get it completely out of the game, it is the only way," he said.
"The club, the majority of the fans, and the players, are suffering. We're talking about this now because of potential ground closure. So, if that was to be introduced in the domestic game, nobody wants that, but it's going to take these harsh decisions."
Miller praised Rangers for refusing to take tickets for their next away trip, describing it as "a big stance".
"They are trying to protect the situation before it gets any worse," he said. "It's got to stop for the good of the football club, the fans and the players, who want to turn up to full houses on these special nights.
"The fans absolutely love these away days, going away and supporting the team in Europe. They are now going to suffer. There could be some fantastic ties in the group stage."