Preventive action against hooliganism

BELGRADE - The OSCE Mission to Serbia and the Police Academy presented on Thursday a publication on youth and hooliganism in sports events, focusing on preventive action.

Violence in sports is a major problem not only in Serbia but on a wider scale - across Europe and the world, which is why adequate response is essential, said Odd Berner Malme, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia Law Enforcement Department.

He noted that violence in sports has different variations in different countries and pointed out that the reasons and causes of this problem in Serbia should be looked into.

According to Malme, most young people want to show their support to sports clubs, while only a minority joins fan groups in order to take part in violent incidents.

The survey provides useful statistical data that allows for targeted planning of activities to prevent violence at sporting events, which the OSCE will be ready to support in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, emphasized Malme.

The book presented at the Police Academy, Youth and Hooliganism in Sports Events, is based on a survey conducted in 25 secondary schools throughout Serbia on a sample of 3,662 pupils.

The book was produced with the support of the Police Academy and the Interior Ministry of Serbia.

Photo Tanjug Video, camera operator Davorin Pavlovic