Should fans worry about violence at the World Cup?

Reports emerging from Spain suggest that a group of Spartak Moscow “ultras” were to blame for the violence that erupted before yesterday’s Europa League clash in Bilbao; this violence sadly claimed the life of a police officer.

This is not an isolated incident. Soccer fans in Eastern Europe especially, often have fan groups called “ultras.” These people are difficult to describe, but generally they provide atmosphere in stadiums, and create tension before and after games by any means necessary. Unfortunately, this all too often involves provoking the opposing fans and instigating violence. Granted, the atmosphere at games is important, and showing passion for ones team is awesome. Iceland fans at Euro 2016 showed the world their “Viking clap” chant; a truly haunting experience, and one that I’m sure almost every fan watching live, and at home, are extremely excited to witness again in Russia. Noisemakers, and to a certain extent flares, are other ways to build a great atmosphere at games, hence the success of the vuvuzela in South Africa. However, a line must be drawn. And this line must be at a place that will keep games progressing without the need for stoppages, and at a place that will ensure universal fan safety.

Another example of violence that occurred recently was the incidents between Serbian and Albanian fans during qualification. One fan flew a drone holding a flag over the field, and anyone with knowledge of Yugoslavian history will know that despite independence, there is still a lot of animosity between countries in that region. Violence erupted at the game between players and fans, leading to the game being abandoned, and players and associations being heavily fined. This is the type of behavior that is simply intolerable. Actions like these must not go unpunished should they occur in Russia in June. Fans should not have to fear for their lives at sporting events.

This is not to suggest that there will be any issues at the World Cup, from any group of fans. Despite this, authorities in each host city must be vigilant for any problems that may arise before, during, or after each game. Seldom in the past have there been any issues at the World Cup. I am sure this tournament will be no different. The Russians take security very seriously, and the World Cup will remain safe, fun, and memorable for all. 

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