The state wants to toughen penalties for troublemakers at football stadiums: A proposed 10-year ban from attending sporting events
Photo: Blaž Weindorfer / Sportida
After the events at this year’s football match between Mura and Maribor, when an unknown individual from the stands threw a powerful pyrotechnic device, state institutions have actively joined in addressing the issue of violence in stadiums. Although Slovenia does not have as severe problems as some other countries, a draft law is being prepared that could lead to much stricter penalties for troublemakers at football stadiums and other sports venues.
“It will go into interdepartmental coordination in July, and is expected to be adopted by the end of the year. Measures for offenders will be stricter. The ban on attending sporting events for the most serious offenders will be extended from two to ten years, and similarly, the restriction on approaching a sports venue. The minimum penalty will be increased from 300 to 800 euros, and the maximum possible fine will rise from 800 to five thousand euros. This would be applicable, for example, in the case of a mortar blast,” said Darijo Levačić, Acting Director-General of the Directorate for Police and Other Security Tasks, following a consultation that was closed to the public, according to STA.
“When someone is caught lighting or throwing pyrotechnics, the police will be able to act subsequently in case of escape. Currently, they cannot do this; they must catch the offender at the scene. The police will also be able to stop fans and confiscate items from the vehicle operator. In practice, security services will have to more precisely implement all measures and tasks listed in the administrative unit’s decision permitting the event. If the organizer does not meet the conditions, the event will not take place,” continued Darijo Levačić, emphasizing zero tolerance for riots and rioters.
In addition to the police, experts from various ministries, the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS), and the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security participated in the consultation. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice assessed that the ten-year ban is a too severe and disproportionate penalty. Whether the law will be adopted or not is still too early to say.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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1. SNL
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