TIME TO GET RADICAL WITH ROGUE FANS

TOTAL disqualification of one or both teams seems unlikely; anyone who has followed the machinations of UEFA will recognise the gulf that usually exists between official word and eventual deed. Still, European football’s governing body deserves credit for even suggesting the possibility of expelling countries because their fans represent a security threat — a risk to lives, both directly and indirectly — at a time of extreme risk all round. Confronted by a reckless and marauding menace now overloading police and security services with a prime responsibility to thwart terror attacks, in a host country still traumatised by the worst and most indiscriminate violence, football has to do something. Fortunately, both UEFA and FIFA have some serious punishments within their power. None of which would involve hammering footballers for the sins of lunatic fringe. Let’s start by stating that Russia cannot possibly host the 2018 World Cup. If allegations of widespread corruption weren’t enough to force a rethink, safety fears for travelling fans must prompt a change of plan. Take another look at footage of those thugs running riot in Marseille over the past few days. Now ask yourself if you fancy travelling to the home turf of these tooled-up gangs with a dangerous addiction to bloody-minded violence. For the Good of the Game, to quote FIFA’s own motto, football can’t take the risk. There’s no need to throw either team out of the European Championship. But we could see both sides playing out the rest of their Euro campaign without a fan there to cheer them on. The teams can stay — but the supporters have to go. No, it’s not fair on the majority. But remember that French police, who should be worrying about potential bombers or suspicious packages, are currently being diverted to referee running battles. England fans, in particular, can point to the fact that they were charged by Russians inside the stadium on Saturday night; it’s tough to ‘avoid trouble’ if you’re in your designated seat when attacked. But there is a brand of English ‘semi-hooligan’ who, while claiming never to go looking for aggro, always seem to end up at the heart of it. Any of us who have been to major championships have seen them, heard them, felt the atmosphere change as soon as they pitch up. And this minority of both Russia and England fans are becoming so uncontrollable, so much more than a nuisance in a country on the highest state of alert, that it wouldn’t be a shock if the French refused to go on — went on strike, as is their wont — until the situation has been addressed. With England and Russia supporters scheduled to be in the same vicinity ahead of their next fixtures, it’s no surprise that radical warnings are being issued. Because the whole antiterror operation doesn’t work without public vigilance and total co-operation with security. There are times when the stupidity, the sheer idiocy and rancid ignorance, displayed by man makes you fear for the future of the human race.