Hooliganism and spectator violence has resulted in severe injuries and death e.g. Heysel, Hillsborough

Solutions to spectator violence

Increased police presence, police share intelligence nationally and internationally
Increased CCTV coverage to identify individuals
Harsh punishments and banning orders
- Fines, imprisonment, restricted travel
Educate supporters through campaigns
- Say no to Racism
Segregation of fans
Family enclosures within stands
Control of alcohol consumption in and out of stadiums
Change kick off times - early kick off for derby games
Promote positive role models, reward teams
Responsible media reporting
Pressure NGBs to create more laws

Disasters caused by spectators/resulting in injury of spectators

Bradford stadium fire (1985)
- 56 spectators killed due to a build up of litter, wooden seats and locked exists
Heysel stadium disaster (1985)
- 39 Italian and Juventus supporters killed when part of a stadium collapsed following confrontations from Liverpool hooligans
Hillsborough disaster (1989)
- 96 Liverpool fans killed due to overcrowding and lack of police interference

Laws to enhance spectator safety

Occupiers' Liability Act (1957)
- Ensure liability through a duty of care of the occupier of any property for visitors entering the premises
Safety of Sports Grounds Act (1975)
- Protects spectators when attending any UK sports ground
Sporting Events Act (1985)
- Control and licence the consumption of alcohol at sporting events
Fire Safety and Safety of Place of Sport Act (1987)
- Ensure all sporting events are fire security certified by a local authority
- Ensure organisers have confirmed maximum number of spectators and materials used are fire resistant
Football Spectators Act (1989)
- Banning orders or convicted offenders to ensure they can't attend sporting events for a period of time
Football Offences Act (1991)
- Prosecute offenders caught throwing missiles, chanting racist remarks and trespassing on the field of play

Banning Orders

Used as a preventative tactic rather than a penalty for past behaviour
Stop known hooligans causing trouble at football matches
Can ban individuals from attending matches (home and away) for a period between 2-10 yrs
Banned individuals can be banned from using public transport on match days and from visiting other potential violent 'hot spots' e.g. town centres, pubs, bars, etc.

	Created by Wesley Spearman almost 6 years ago

A level Physical Education (Sport and Society) Note on Sport and the Law, created by Wesley Spearman on 04/05/2018.

Sport and the Law