Measures introduced in 2000 to tackle violence and disorder associated with football have had a major positive impact. So claims Paul Goggins, Home Office junior minister responsible for football policing.
A report by the Home Office to Parliament on the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 claimed that in combination with legislation introduced after the Euro 2000 tournament, the development of a multi-agency football disorder strategy and co-ordinated partnership working have contributed to a highly effective reduction in football disorder.
The Home Office adds that measures in the Football (Disorder) Act 2000 are integral to policing football operations and although the lingering menace of football hooliganism remains, there has been no significant English football disorder overseas since Euro 2000.
What they say
Mr Goggins said: “Tough legislation to prevent and combat football hooliganism, with targeted policing and enforcement has clearly had a big impact over the past five years. It is particularly pleasing that UEFA and our other international partners commend our strategy of tough banning order legislation and supporter involvement. This is reassuring both at home and abroad, particularly for the German authorities in the run up to this year’s World Cup. We are committed to continue working hard with the police, football authorities and fans’ associations to tackle football hooliganism both domestically and internationally, wherever English and Welsh teams are playing. Over the past two years, the Home Office has supported the police in developing tactics to improve co-ordination across the country and effectiveness of operations. In particular, a new UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), jointly overseen by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), will help ensure delivery of English and Welsh policing operations at local, national and international level. However, we are not complacent. Football hooliganism is still a lingering menace, albeit amongst a small minority of supporters, and this will not be tolerated.”
