By Samindra Kunti
July 20 – Football-related violence and hooliganism is back on the rise in Belgian football, according to statistics released by the Belgian interior ministry. The Pro League vehemently debunks such an assertion.
Supporters violence in Belgian football has always been linked to the 1985 Heysel drama when 39 fans lost their lives at the European cup final between Juventus and Liverpool. The Heysel stadium was outdated and not fit to host a match of such a magnitude.
Little has changed three decades later with few stadiums in Belgium meeting UEFA’s requirements. Current Belgian champions AA Gent boast a state-of-the-art stadium with the Ghemlanco Arena. The construction of a new national stadium is envisaged by 2020.
Authorities have provided a framework to ensure safety at Belgian grounds and curb hooliganism with the ‘Voetbalwet’ [Football law], but violence remains a problem.
Last season 118 violent incidents were registered in the top flight and second division, according to the interior ministry. The majority of incidents were isolated cases, not head-on clashes between different sets of supporters, but they do highlight a 30% increase from the 2013/14 season.
Last week violent Beitar Jerusalem fans marred the UEFA Europa League qualifier at Chaleroi by throwing flares on to the pitch – an incident that is now being investigated by Israeli authorities as part of a larger problem with the Beitar club. On Sunday 60 Lazio Roma fans targeted Anderlecht fans at a metro station in Brussels ahead of a friendly between the two clubs.
“The reports about the increasing violence depart from correct data, but create the image that football is facing a resurgence of violence,” stated the Pro League, representing Belgian’s professional clubs, in a press release. “That’s far from the truth.”
The Pro League pointed out that more prosecutions reflected ‘a continuing professionalisation of security enforcement.’
“Hooliganism is reduced, top flight football is safer every year and the many families who attend more and more matches in our stadiums are the best proof,” concluded the statement.
Interior ministry statistics show offenders were severely penalised. 985 people were banned from stadiums and fines amounted to €439,720. The harshest punishment during the 2014-2015 season was a 39-month ban and €2,000 fine.
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