PARKEN Sport & Entertainment: Violence and criminal behaviour in football must stop
PARKEN Sport & Entertainment calls on football clubs, authorities and football fans to step up once and for all to stop violent and criminal behaviour that is increasingly experienced at football matches.
A legislative package with new tools for authorities and clubs must be the result of the working group that the Danish Minister of Justice has set up, and it must happen quickly.
For too long, violent behaviour and inappropriate behaviour has escalated at football matches both at home and abroad.
Most recently, when F.C. Copenhagen faced Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League group stage, random fans were assaulted in the street and pyrotechnics were fired in both directions directly at fans in the stadium.
Dangerous and unsafe conditions have no place in football, and therefore FCK will contribute to stopping this worrying development, so that football matches remain only for those who love football and want a safe experience.
"We must put an end to the violent and criminal elements that infiltrate football's environment," says Allan L. Agerholm, chairman of the board at PS&E.
"It requires new targeted legislation, an even stronger effort from the clubs and fans to help the authorities, and clubs to identify the violent groups that must be removed from football once and for all.
"If we do not all clearly and unequivocally distance ourselves from those who use football as a platform for violent and criminal behaviour, we risk football as we love it no longer existing."
PARKEN Sport & Entertainment is continuously working on new plans for how to strengthen the control of, and sanctions against, violent elements of the sport. But the necessary supporting legislation is not present.
Therefore, it is desired that the working group that the Ministry of Justice has set up with the participation of clubs, DBU, the Divisions' Association, fan clubs, police and authorities via a quick legislative package strengthens both the authorities' and the clubs' possibilities to intervene against violent and often masked people.
"These few people who cause disturbances and commit crimes in connection with football matches are a real threat to the whole of football. That's why they have to go now," says Allan L. Agerholm.
"We will do our part. The authorities and the fan community must do theirs, and we must have the tools required so that we can get this violence and resulting insecurity out of football.
"In addition, it is necessary for the fan community to contribute to a better culture. Many know very well who the rotten eggs are, and all too often they are silent when things go wrong.
"It is totally unacceptable for everyone to hide violence and vandalism in football. Football matches must be for everyone who loves football, but not for those who use football matches as a platform for violence and criminal behaviour."