EU cooperation urged to combat rising tide of football hooliganism

Date: 07/02/02

By Martin Banks

THE European Union is being urged to help combat a rising tide of football-related violence in member states. Italy, Belgium and England have been singled out for particular concern following evidence of a worrying increase in crowd trouble at matches.

MEP Gérard Deprez, who has drawn up a report on soccer hooliganism, is calling for improvements in cooperation between member states in identifying known trouble-makers.

'Too often, unfortunately, soccer is the stage on which aggression, rioting and violence are acted out with scant regard for sporting principles or respect for persons and property,' said the Belgian EPP deputy.

'The amount of football taking place is currently increasing rapidly which, owing to the increase in the number of travelling fans, entails a greater risk of violence.'

His report calls on each of the member states to set up a national football information centre which would act as a focal point for the exchange of information on hooligans. Deprez added: 'Portugal will host the 2004 European soccer championships but, worryingly, it does not have any such facilities. If we are to prevent disturbances it is essential to improve coordination between the organisations responsible for security.'

His report is due to be considered by the civil liberties committee on 20 February. Dutch and British police are coordinating security ahead of next Wednesday's (13 February) international between the Netherlands and England.

The European Union is being urged to help combat a rising tide of football-related violence in Member States.