Sport violence clampdown pays off, but more needs to be done

ARRESTS for sporting violence last season were three times higher than the year before, police said yesterday.

Presenting figures on sport-related violence and comparing this past season with the one before, police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said there was a massive 176.66 per cent increase in arrests, with 2010/2011 seeing the arrest of 249 “sporting hooligans”, compared to 90 the previous season.

Katsounotos said this was a record number and proved the force’s determination to combat violence in sport.

He added that the police chief issued over 100 bans in the past year, excluding troublesome fans from entering sport grounds to watch their teams.

“However, arresting and bringing the suspects to justice does not fully fulfil the ultimate goal; we need speedier trials and convictions, with penalties that deter,” said Katsounotos.

He admitted that some cases had concluded with quite strict punishments – such as a two-month prison sentence for a football fan who was implicated in violent clashes at Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca. But there were a large number of serious cases still pending, said Katsounotos.

But while the numbers of arrests have increased sharply, there was also a 30 per cent increase in the number of violent incidents and clashes last season, compared to the previous one.

Katsounotos said this was a cause for concern but can be combated completely if handled correctly.

“Just so long as it is set as a top priority for everyone,” said Katsounotos.

There was also a 20 per cent increase in damaged properties, with the value of the damages reaching €200,000, in comparison to €140,000 for the preceding season.

Some 62 policemen and 41 members of the public were injured last season, marking a 26.19 per cent decrease and 28.12 per cent increase respectively, from the 2009-2010 season.

There was a 24.33 per cent increase in the number of officers who policed matches with almost 19,000 policemen being called up, compared to 15,247 the previous season. Although this translated into €1,290,000 in overtime hours, the payout was less than the previous season when €1,953,150 was paid out in overtime. The drop is down to a law amendment stating that 50 per cent of the hours worked would be given back in holiday leave.

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