The introduction of compulsory identity cards for fans has caused quite a stir amongst the often hostile but nonetheless powerful supporter movement that is the Ultras of Italy.
The plans are part of a wider approach by Italian football authorities to improve security and reduce levels of fan violence at games which has, in recent years, impacted negatively on match attendance levels.
However, the plans have been met by strong opposition – notably in the shape of angry supporters and reluctant clubs – which has forced the Italian Home Minister, Roberto Maroni, to further delay the start date of the scheme until the beginning of next season.
The details of the proposal are as follows: As of the beginning of next season, any person wishing to purchase either an away ticket to a given match or a season ticket will have to be in possession of an electronic identity card. The card will show a basic profile of the person, including a barcode which will be used to store data and monitor supporter activity.
Supporters will have to apply for the card which, crucially, will only be made available to those persons whose names have been cleared by local police. More specifically, this means that any supporters who have in the past been sentenced to stadium bans at any sports event will not be able to receive an identity card and, therefore, will be prohibited from purchasing tickets to matches.
As well as improving security, it is also hoped that the cards will facilitate the purchase of tickets and the access/flow of supporters to stadiums.
The overriding response to the plans, however, has so far been negative. Large groups of supporters – led by those involved in the Ultras movement – have shown their discontent having last month gathered in the streets of Rome to formally protest against what they consider to be a breach of “human rights”.
Something of an overstatement, I’m sure you’ll agree. Nonetheless, the Ultras groups are angry at the strict extent to which the rules are being applied, specifically relating to the fact that supporters with previous convictions – even including those who have been cleared – will also be prohibited under the new rules.
Moreover, they are concerned that their personal information will be used for marketing purposes, believing that the scheme is more about marketing opportunities for clubs and less about security.
The fact that there are already agreements in place with companies, including VISA and Telecom Italia has hardly helped to nullify the sense of unrest. Maroni’s admission that the scheme will be used as a means to build and develop “virtuous relationships” with supporters has also fuelled a sense of skepticism.
Yet, despite the apparent commercial benefits, the vast majority of Italian clubs are also opposed to the plans. The initial administration costs are huge – especially so for smaller clubs – which goes some way to explain why there has been such a delay in getting plans off the ground. Furthermore, there are concerns as to whether the scheme will actually work to reduce violence in the first place. Clubs are unconvinced, with many dismissing the cards as a gimmick and pointing out that the majority of hooliganism does not typically take place inside stadiums anyway.
From a PR perspective, too, clubs are reluctant to side against the Ultras groups in fear of backlash. In this respect, there is also a concern that the scheme will end up alienating live spectators – specifically ‘casual’ spectators who do not regularly attend matches – encouraging more supporters to stay at home and watch a match on television.
Whether or not the scheme turns out to be a success remains to be seen. The sentiment of the Italian Government and other football authorities to try to clean up the sport is commendable, but I wonder if they might be better off spending their money elsewhere, notably on developing the overall culture of the matchday experience. Initiatives such as free entry for children, better policing and improvements to stadium infrastructure have been successful in England and Germany and could also work in Italy.
Either way, the Ultras groups should take a look at themselves and their own behaviour before grumbling about civil liberties. It is ironic that many of those who have caused such problems in the first place should now have the nerve to protest about how they are treated. Whilst those who are guilty of violent offences to an extent surrender the privilege of ‘human rights’, those who are innocent should be more appreciative towards those trying to protect them. Are these not the same people that would complain about a lack of police intervention, should an attack regrettably take place?
The plans are part of a wider approach by Italian football authorities to improve security and reduce levels of fan violence at games which has, in recent years, impacted negatively on match attendance levels.
However, the plans have been met by strong opposition – notably in the shape of angry supporters and reluctant clubs – which has forced the Italian Home Minister, Roberto Maroni, to further delay the start date of the scheme until the beginning of next season.
The details of the proposal are as follows: As of the beginning of next season, any person wishing to purchase either an away ticket to a given match or a season ticket will have to be in possession of an electronic identity card. The card will show a basic profile of the person, including a barcode which will be used to store data and monitor supporter activity.
Supporters will have to apply for the card which, crucially, will only be made available to those persons whose names have been cleared by local police. More specifically, this means that any supporters who have in the past been sentenced to stadium bans at any sports event will not be able to receive an identity card and, therefore, will be prohibited from purchasing tickets to matches.
As well as improving security, it is also hoped that the cards will facilitate the purchase of tickets and the access/flow of supporters to stadiums.
The overriding response to the plans, however, has so far been negative. Large groups of supporters – led by those involved in the Ultras movement – have shown their discontent having last month gathered in the streets of Rome to formally protest against what they consider to be a breach of “human rights”.
Something of an overstatement, I’m sure you’ll agree. Nonetheless, the Ultras groups are angry at the strict extent to which the rules are being applied, specifically relating to the fact that supporters with previous convictions – even including those who have been cleared – will also be prohibited under the new rules.
Moreover, they are concerned that their personal information will be used for marketing purposes, believing that the scheme is more about marketing opportunities for clubs and less about security.
The fact that there are already agreements in place with companies, including VISA and Telecom Italia has hardly helped to nullify the sense of unrest. Maroni’s admission that the scheme will be used as a means to build and develop “virtuous relationships” with supporters has also fuelled a sense of skepticism.
Yet, despite the apparent commercial benefits, the vast majority of Italian clubs are also opposed to the plans. The initial administration costs are huge – especially so for smaller clubs – which goes some way to explain why there has been such a delay in getting plans off the ground. Furthermore, there are concerns as to whether the scheme will actually work to reduce violence in the first place. Clubs are unconvinced, with many dismissing the cards as a gimmick and pointing out that the majority of hooliganism does not typically take place inside stadiums anyway.
From a PR perspective, too, clubs are reluctant to side against the Ultras groups in fear of backlash. In this respect, there is also a concern that the scheme will end up alienating live spectators – specifically ‘casual’ spectators who do not regularly attend matches – encouraging more supporters to stay at home and watch a match on television.
Whether or not the scheme turns out to be a success remains to be seen. The sentiment of the Italian Government and other football authorities to try to clean up the sport is commendable, but I wonder if they might be better off spending their money elsewhere, notably on developing the overall culture of the matchday experience. Initiatives such as free entry for children, better policing and improvements to stadium infrastructure have been successful in England and Germany and could also work in Italy.
Either way, the Ultras groups should take a look at themselves and their own behaviour before grumbling about civil liberties. It is ironic that many of those who have caused such problems in the first place should now have the nerve to protest about how they are treated. Whilst those who are guilty of violent offences to an extent surrender the privilege of ‘human rights’, those who are innocent should be more appreciative towards those trying to protect them. Are these not the same people that would complain about a lack of police intervention, should an attack regrettably take place?
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