The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – The violence that occurred last Sunday at the National Stadium in Costa Rica for the umpteenth time has sparked the debate about the risk posed by soccer hooligans, a problem that seems to have few effective solutions.
The first Costa Rica hooligans appeared in the mid 1990s with the intent to support their teams, but were gradually evolving into violent groups that forced the authorities to implement special security plans every weekend.
The constant quarrels between the bars and even looting near the stadiums, especially in areas far from the capital shops, prompted the football authorities and the government last year to approve a law that punishes violence and racism with a three-year ban on entry to sports venues.
Nevertheless, on Sunday, a group of members of ‘The 12’ bar who supports Alajuelense, started riots in the National Stadium in San Jose, when their team played against Carthaginian.
‘The 12’ chased, attacked and assaulted Carthaginian fans, while they ran and jumped into the countryside in search of shelter.
“There are people who need to put a stop on this way before tragedy strikes,” said the coach of Carthaginian, Javier Delgado, after the game was suspended and had to be completed the next day behind closed doors.
Following these riots the Security Ministry prepared a photographic record of 54 subjects who were arrested that day.
However, most of the time local media only fuels the existence of hooligans and little or no action is taken by clubs to eradicate the problem.
Saprissa has stated that it does not provide any support to the hooligans. Alajuelense also ensures that it does not encourage them in any way.
The classic this Sunday between Saprissa and Alajuelense will be a litmus test for laws against violence in stadiums and clubs authorities, who have announced a ban on the entry of hooligans.
Despite this, there will be 700 policemen and 300 members of private security in order to avoid any disturbance.(ACAN-EFE)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
