English Soccer Authorities Attack Problem of Fan Violence
English soccer authorities have embarked on a social program aimed at eliminating fan violence.
The Football Assn. has launched a system of coaching centers it hopes will attract boys and girls age 8 and older regardless of their soccer ability.
The intent is to teach future players and fans basic social habits--obedience to the rules of the game and respect for authority and opponents.
“Football spends millions each year on controlling crowds and dealing with antisocial behavior it has had no part in creating,” FA Chairman Bert Millichip said.
The FA already has a national soccer school, designed for young players capable of making a career in the sport. Now it is launching a program in Birmingham aimed at youths aged 14 and older--the group most susceptible to rowdy behavior.
“We shall only get rid of hooliganism if everyone does his bit,” Millichip said. “The coaching centers and the Birmingham pilot scheme are positive steps from us in this direction.”
The FA says its purpose is to provide an alternative for youngsters “at those times when the temptation to get into trouble is at its highest.”
The plan, under the direction of Birmingham’s Football Development Officer Colin Morris, enjoys the support of the police and other Birmingham agencies that deal with juveniles. And Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has pressured soccer authorities to act strongly on fan violence.
The program comes at a time when it appears charges will be filed over the 1985 Belgian soccer riot involving English and Italian fans. The violence left 39 people dead.
Bobby Robson, coach of England’s national soccer team, said the program is “as important to me as the England team itself. We have to look after the future and do it now.”
Fan violence has meant the exclusion of English clubs from European comppetition and the exodus of leading players to countries like Spain and even Scotland.
Top professionals often fail to set the best example. It has become almost an automatic reaction for some players to pull down an escaping forward.
“It seems to me that so many team managers do not understand the real meaning of competitiveness or the will to win,” Robson said. “Being competitive and playing to win does not mean cheating, nor does it mean kicking opponents rather than the ball or arguing with the referee.”
