There is even a threat of forfeit defeats: there will be a controversial step-by-step plan against fan violence

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In the autumn of 2021, the federal government and the cantons had had enough: after renewed riots during the Zurich city derby, Sports Minister Viola Amherd (61) pushed for the introduction of personalized tickets for football matches. The conference of cantonal directors of justice and police (KKJPD) was also unanimously in favor.

Swiss Football League (SFL) and clubs were against it. Stadium entrances with ID checks are a hot topic because they can deter the public. After a year and a half, those responsible came to the conclusion in the spring: a step-by-step plan of action was needed. But nothing is happening for the time being, which was also met with disappointment from Sports Minister Amherd.

Those who refuse to follow the rules will feel the consequences

The first design of the cascade model is now on the table. And it contains some pretty explosive suggestions, the CH Media papers report. For example, the fact that a club can be punished with a forfeit defeat repeatedly leads to serious riots among the fans.

For as long as possible, the league and safety authorities want to rely on preventive approaches, such as dialogue with fans. If that is not enough, sanctions must follow.

Five phases are planned

The design consists of five phases. Certain incidents should automatically give rise to certain measures. Level 1 (“serious property damage”) leads to a mandatory briefing between police, club and fans before the next three matches. If people are injured (level 3), the offending club’s fan curve will be closed for at least one match. Ticket sales must also be stopped so that fans do not switch to other sectors.

So-called trial phases are important. Following incidents, affected fans would be under increased observation in subsequent matches. If there were injuries, this phase lasted five games. If riots with injured people occur again during this period, a ghost game will be declared.

If similar incidents occur within the next five games, level 5 will eventually be reached. Then the authorities want to get serious and not allow the next match to take place. The club involved would lose forfeit.

Resistance is to be expected

Not everything has been determined yet, write the CH Media newspapers. All stakeholders can comment on the proposals during the public consultation. The design is likely to spark heated debate. For example, collective punishments are frowned upon by fans and clubs, but are currently planned in series, for example in closed corners or even in stadiums.

Moreover, many questions remain unanswered. For example, what is the ban on coordinated fan campaigns (level 3) about? Or how facial recognition of all admitted fans (level 2) could be implemented. But also: when is property damage ‘serious’ and when ‘particularly serious’?

Resistance can be expected from fans and clubs. The latter are unlikely to be happy with the risk of loss. The league also appears to be looking for further support. She is currently aggressively calling on fans across the country to participate in the consultation through her internet channels.

The step-by-step plan with measures must be definitively available early next year and then introduced for the 2024/25 season. It cannot be ruled out that some changes will take place. (dba)

Source:Blick