DO something about hooliganism NOW

By Published on November 22, 2009
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So the House Legal Affairs Committee this week "held a long discussion on ways of containing hooliganism". Apparently they discussed measures including 'numbered seats, stewards and CCTV surveillance'.

These are the very measures that were recommended by experts from the UK who visited Cyprus at least two years ago. They were discussed back then, and we were told they would be implemented .... and we are STILL discussing them?

Now we are told they will be implemented by the start of the 2011 season - I won't hold my breath! But if they are, I sincerely hope the projected 9 million euro cost is not going to be borne by the taxpayer.

It's high time that football clubs were made to take responsibility for their affairs. That means running their clubs like a business; unceremoniously expelling members and fans who don't abide by a strict code of behaviour - and ensuring that their games are properly controlled. If that means employing stewards and installing CCTV, they should bear the cost.

The total lack of leadership from club boards and the authorities governing the sport in Cyprus is to blame for the parlous state of affairs that has arisen. Instead of unreservedly condemning acts of hooliganism, they always try to pass the blame on to others.

Well, it's time they were made to carry the can: we need new legislation making clubs responsible in law for their fans' behaviour - then perhaps the men at the top, faced with a possible stint in jail, would get off their butts and DO something.

Not by the 2011 season. Not next year. NOW.