FLASHPOINTS IN PAST THREE WORLD CUPS

The 2018 World Cup in Russia stayed relatively crime-free and peaceful compared to previous editions, despite prior concerns about crowd trouble.

Barring the occurrence of homophobic chanting by a section of Mexican fans or at least two instances of sexual harassment, it was mostly the football on the pitch in Russia that managed to make the headlines.

That was not the case at the previous three World Cups.

GERMANY 2006

Hooliganism was a major issue with England fans, in particular, being involved in clashes across a number of venues, most prominently in Stuttgart and Cologne.

There were a few neo-Nazi marches across the country during the tournament, with Asian and African fans advised by watchdog organisations to not travel to parts of eastern Germany.

SOUTH AFRICA 2010

Violence and crime in South Africa was relatively low despite the high crime rate in the country.

A total of 172 incidents of criminal incidents were reported during the World Cup as per New York Times, leading to 104 convictions in special courts prepared for the World Cup. The heightened security helped South Africa tackle its high crimerate during the World Cup but it shot up again after the end of the tournament.

Contrary to fears, no stabbing or murder took place.

BRAZIL 2014

In Brazil, there were two occasions, involving fans of Chile and Argentina, when media centers were vandalised.

Authorities failed to clamp down on incidents of muggings, robbery and theft as a number of visitors fell victims.

Economic disillusionment, destruction of favelas and many other factors contributed to widespread protests by locals during the tournament.

There were two occasions of infrastructural breakdown – in Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte – which led to the death of three persons.