Police, governments and UEFA have joined forces in an attempt to better manage crowds and provide core safety and security standards for both club and international matches.
The move follows Monday’s Home Office review of the events involving English supporters in Rome and Seville. It highlighted the over-reliance on riot police and the need for better in-stadia control of football fans.
Discussed with UEFA, the review drew attention to the need for consistent safety and security standards across Europe. As a consequence, pan-European training for stadium safety officers, stewards and police is to be developed and preparations for games will be subjected to expert evaluation.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said that this new cooperation is good news for football fans across Europe.
“I am grateful to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspurs and their supporters for the eye witness accounts of crowd disturbances last season which informed the Home Office Review to UEFA and gave added impetus to this new European partnership.”
He continued, “Supporters have a crucial role to play. English fans have achieved a great deal since the dark days of mass hooliganism but they must build on their improved image and reputation by taking further responsibility. Supporters must play their part in reducing the risks.”
UEFA President Michel Platini said,
“Good stadium infrastructures, sophisticated safety and security measures, the de-escalation of the style of policing and better supporter behaviour are all part of a drive to make European football venues safer and more secure.”
Despite the recent trouble, the review reported that the behaviour of English football fans has “dramatically improved” in recent years. It admits though that some English fans drinking heavily and arriving late for matches places additional pressure on safety and security arrangements.
