Turkey and Greece take drastic measures

Turkey has indefinitely suspended all football matches after a club president punched a referee on the pitch. Greece, on the other hand, has banned fans from top-flight football games for two months following violence between rival volleyball supporters that left a police officer seriously injured.

France considers barring away supporters

France is contemplating banning away supporters from matches after a fan was stabbed to death recently. The incidents of violence are causing concern among football's governing bodies.

English fans targeted

Travelling English fans, in particular, have become targets for hooliganism across Europe. They are often subjected to violence as rival supporters try to test their reputation for street brawling.

Instances of violence

This year alone, an Italian motorway was closed due to clashes between rival supporters, Dinamo Zagreb fans made Nazi salutes in Milan, and a Newcastle United fan was stabbed in Milan by a machete-wielding attacker. Brighton fans have also been affected, with tear gas aimed at riotous fans in Athens ending up choking Brighton supporters.

Football's ruling bodies concerned

The rise in hooliganism is worrying football's governing bodies, who fear a return to the violence of the 1980s. The infamous Heysel Stadium riot in Brussels, which resulted in the deaths of 39 fans, led to English teams being banned from Europe for five years.

A graphic display of football's ugly side

The recent incident in Turkey, where a club president punched a referee on the pitch, highlights the ugly side of football. The Turkish Football Federation has indefinitely postponed all games as a result.

Violence spreads between sports and countries

The violence is not confined to football alone, as fan rivalry spills over into other sports. Greece has announced stringent new fan restrictions after violent clashes between supporters, even extending to empty stadiums. The ban on football fans may not deter violence, as seen in recent clashes outside a volleyball stadium in Athens.

English fans facing targeted attacks

English fans often find themselves targeted by hooligans while travelling abroad. Thugs have been known to seek out bars where English fans are drinking and provoke fights. West Ham fans, in particular, have experienced trouble on the European mainland.

Return of the "English disease"

The rise in hooliganism in Europe is reminiscent of the "English disease" of the 1980s. Recent incidents in England, such as pitch invasions and violent clashes, have also raised concerns about the return of hooliganism in the country.

Fear for the future of football

Unless the rising tide of organised unrest is addressed, families may become afraid to attend matches, and some fans may avoid travelling to Europe due to the fear of violence. The situation requires immediate attention from clubs and authorities across the continent.