2 hrs ago
European Football Stakeholders Unite Against Blanket Away-Fan Bans
European football groups have agreed that whole groups of visiting fans should not usually be banned.
They say travelling supporters are an important part of football.
Sometimes a few fans cause violence or other problems.
The groups believe those responsible should be punished individually.
Other supporters should not automatically lose the chance to attend matches.
A full away-fan ban could still be used if there is a serious danger.
However, officials should first see whether other, less severe measures can keep people safe.
The policy was discussed at a safety conference in Madrid.
UEFA, clubs, leagues and fan organisations support curbing blanket bans on away supporters.
The stakeholders say travelling fans are vital to football and should not face collective punishment.
They argue that sanctions should target individuals responsible for violence or misconduct.
Collective bans should not be a routine response to safety or security concerns.
Bans should be considered only when less restrictive measures cannot address serious public-safety or public-order risks.
- Who
- UEFA, European Football Clubs, Football Supporters Europe and European League, along with other football stakeholders.
- What
- They endorsed curbs on blanket away-fan bans and backed individual accountability for misconduct.
- Where
- The discussions took place in Madrid, and the policy concerns European football.
- When
- The position followed discussions at the UEFA Safety and Security Conference in Madrid last week.
- Why
- The stakeholders want to protect travelling supporters from collective punishment while allowing bans when less restrictive measures cannot address serious safety risks.
Against Routine Collective Bans
For Exceptional Safety Measures
How to respond to misconduct
Against Routine Collective Bans
Stakeholders say sanctions should target the individuals responsible rather than entire groups of travelling supporters.
For Exceptional Safety Measures
A collective ban may be considered when documented evidence indicates that less restrictive measures cannot manage serious public-safety or public-order risks.
Role of away supporters
Against Routine Collective Bans
Travelling fans are viewed as a vital part of football and should not be punished for the actions of a minority.
For Exceptional Safety Measures
Safety and security concerns can justify restricting visiting supporters in exceptional circumstances, according to the policy.
Key facts
- Policy position
- Blanket away-fan bans should be curbed and should not become routine.
- Main principle
- Measures should focus on individuals responsible for violence, disorder or misconduct.
- Supporters
- Travelling fans are described as a vital part of football.
- Exception
- Collective bans may be considered when serious public-safety or public-order risks cannot be addressed by less restrictive measures.
- Adopting organisations
- UEFA, European Football Clubs, Football Supporters Europe and European League.
- Conference location
- Madrid
Quotes
European football stakeholders
A collective statement by UEFA, European Football Clubs, Football Supporters Europe and European League.
“Measures aimed at preventing violence, disorder or other forms of misconduct should focus on the individuals responsible rather than on groups of supporters as a whole.”
rediff.com
Sources
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