Early in the fall of last year, Danish football was hit by a series of fights between supporter groups in connection with several matches in the top league. For example, a 16-year-old Aarhus supporter – under threat of beating – became robbed on his football shirt of three men who sympathize with Aalborg. The trio has been charged with a crime and a trial is to be held later this spring.
Can be worn for four years
Now the Danish government is putting forward a bill to expand the list of criminal acts that can lead to a ban on football matches. Among other things, a supporter must be able to be escorted from stadiums in the event of theft of an opposing supporter’s shirt in connection with a match.
“It should be safe for families with children and other spectators to come to the stadium, and it is not when fights break out, seats are torn up or things are thrown at the police and controllers,” says Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard (S) in a press release.
Fights and robberies in connection with a match can result in bans for up to four years, according to the proposal. They also want the police to be given the opportunity in advance to detain supporters in selected sections of the stands after the match to avoid riots outside the arena.
If a supporter is banned from entering, the person in question must not be closer than 500 meters to the home arena during the match day. If it is an away match, the supporter must not be closer than three kilometers to the arena.
May take effect this summer
After last year’s unrest, a broad political majority wanted to introduce stricter measures against hooligans. The bill, which will now go out for consultation, has been drawn up in collaboration with, among others, the Danish Football Association (DBU), supporter groups and clubs from the top men’s league.
If the bill is hammered through in the Danish parliament, it will come into effect on July 1 and apply to matches in the country’s three highest men’s leagues as well as international matches in Denmark.