Spain approves measures to eradicate footall violence

A clash between Atletico and Deportivo on November 30^th saw massive fan violence

Madrid, Jan 14 (IANS): The Spanish Superior Sports Council (Consejo Superior de Deportes, CSD) has endorsed measures proposed by the Spanish Football Federation for preventing and punishing violence in football.

The measures, which include the partial closure of grounds where offences have taken place, were proposed in the wake of the death of a member of Deportivo la Coruna's radical 'Riazor Blues' at the hands of members of Atletico Madrid's 'Frente Atletico' before the league game between Atletico Madrid and Deportivo Nov 30, 2014.

Those involved in that incident face a fine of 60,000 euros (around $70,000) and a five-year ban from attending any football ground, on top of any criminal charges which may be levelled against them.

Following the decision of the CSD Tuesday, which were approved by a unanimous vote, CSD President Miguel Cardinal explained: "We are satisfied with the measures we have approved. We think they will work, but we will see what happens and if we have to modify them with time, we will do that, but for the moment we think that the measures will be enough to face the problem of violence in football grounds."

Cardinal added that football grounds would now see operatives "who are going to dedicate themselves exclusively to checking the behaviour of the public adapts to these rules," and added that any breaking of the rules would be punished by the Spanish FA Disciplinary Committee.

Among other sanctions, clubs face if their supporters misbehave, the CSD has approved measures which include the loss of points, the suspension of the club's directors and in extreme cases, relegation to a lower division.