Marking hooligans out of the game

As police warn that that the incidence of football hooliganism is increasing, the Government has published proposals to combat the menace and protect the decent fan.

The proposals were announced by Kate Hoey, the Home Office minister. They include draconian measures to combat the contribution alcohol makes to the problem. It was suggested that alcohol-free zones be imposed on whole towns or districts around football stadiums before and after matches. The chief officer of police would have to apply to the licensing magistrates "for an order to ban the sale of alcohol and the carrying and consumption of alcohol in a public place for a specified location and period of time." The effect could be to criminalise acts of members of the public - carrying the gift of a bottle of wine to a host, for example - who were not football fans. In these circumstances, however, "some consideration may have to be given to the reasonableness of those carrying alcohol and whether there was any connection to the football match."

Pubs, restaurants, and supermarkets in a specified area would be forbidden to sell alcohol and public consumption of liquor could be banned for up to 24 hours. In order to safeguard against excessive use of these powers any order would be subject to the consent of the Home Secretary.

The other major proposals are:

• Toughening existing powers to stop convicted criminals from travelling abroad, including the surrender of passports;

• Introducing new powers to stop unconvicted but known hooligans from travelling abroad;

• Extending existing legislation on ticket touting to cover matches taking place abroad;

• Toughening existing powers to stop convicted hooligans from travelling to domestic games;

• Making it an offence for an individual to make racist chants.

Launching the consultation document, Kate Hoey emphasised the need for everyone involved in the game to share responsibility and work together to drive out the hooligan. Miss Hoey said that "millions of people go to football matches each season to watch and enjoy the game. There are still a small minority who ruin things for the decent supporter. They cause mayhem, grab the headlines and divert resources.

"The review is wide ranging and contains some 29 proposals. It is aimed at making sure the decent, law-abiding supporter can enjoy football in a safe and secure environment. Some of the proposals would represent fundamental change.

For example, the issue of travel restrictions against unconvicted hooligans is a significant shift and the introduction of alcohol bans, although intended for use only in extreme circumstances, would also be a serious move. However, following their success at France 98, having a similar power at our disposal will help England's bid for 2006."

Kate Hoey added: "The football authorities and individual clubs have a responsibility to the wider community and must demonstrate that they do not condone bad behaviour on or off the field. Players are seen as role models and also have a responsibility to live up to the best traditions of the sport, leading by example both on and off the pitch."

Arrests for violent football-related incidents including affray, violent disorder and throwing missiles, showed a "marked increase" in the first month of the season compared to the same time last year.

Bryan Drew, of the National Criminal Intelligence Service, said: "Although it is too early to say whether the overall downward trend for football related arrest figures over the past five years is being reversed, the signs are not encouraging."

This season, incidents have included a police charge against Glasgow Rangers fans, a CS-spray attack on Norwich fans by Birmingham supporters in a pub, and a major disturbance on a London to Sheffield train.

The "Review of Football-Related Legislation" may be obtained from The Home Office, Operational Policing Policy Unit, Box 25, Room 541, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1 9AT, to which any comments should be sent by 26th February, 1999.