Violence in Stadiums.

MEETING OF MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2002.

Security at international football matches.

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, the initiative of the Council and the report by Mr. Deprez aim to fill a significant gap regarding the prevention and suppression of hooliganism and violence in stadiums, which has taken on explosive proportions in recent years, partly due to the inability of member states to effectively implement measures.

Undoubtedly, the commercialization of football and the pursuit of profit are root causes of violent incidents in stadiums. The disturbances are no longer caused by wild crowds of impulsive fans, but by organized mafias that use fanaticism and violence to serve specific illegal purposes that have nothing to do with the spirit of sportsmanship. In short, some have determined that violence in stadiums sells and brings profits. Violence in stadiums is now organized and directed, and often, under the guise of sports, crimes of common criminal law, such as drug trafficking and money laundering, are concealed, according to a related British study.

In recent years, various hooligan groups have fully exploited new technology, mobile phones, and the Internet to better organize their activities and mislead the police. In this regard, I believe that the creation of an information network and the strengthening of police and judicial cooperation among the 15 member states to combat violence in stadiums is a necessary condition for establishing a European area of freedom and security.

Of course, the role of sports organizations remains crucial; they must distance themselves from hooliganism and educate their fans in the ideals of fair competition, cooperation, dialogue, respect for differences, and peaceful coexistence.

In closing, Madam President, I would like to emphasize that the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens represent an important opportunity to revive the Olympic spirit and the ideals of Olympic truce and peace as an alternative political proposal to the logic and culture of violence.