Today’s news / DK joins sport convention
Danish police introduced a stricter penalty zone when FC Copenhagen met Galatasaray in the Champions League in Parken in December last year. This meant that the penalty for committing certain crimes within the zone could be doubled. Photo: Martin Sylvest/Ritzau Scanpix

DK joins sport convention

Violent disturbances involving fights, vandalism and trouble at football matches must be suppressed. For this reason, Denmark on Tuesday acceded to Council of Europe Convention 218 – The St. Denis Convention – the Ministry of Justice said in a press release on Wednesday. The convention requires that “all possible measures” be taken to reduce the risk of violence and disorder at sporting events. According to Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard the ratification sends a signal that Denmark distances itself from disorderly behaviour and criminal acts.
     “It should be safe to go to the stadium. But it is not safe when scenes of violent behaviour unfold,” the justice minister said in the statement. “That is why Denmark has acceded to the Council of Europe’s convention, so that we, together with the other member states, send a clear signal that we will not tolerate football matches and other sporting events being used as an excuse to fight or cause trouble.”
     The Convention provides for measures to help ensure effective cooperation between police and emergency services and to introduce procedures for racist or discriminatory behaviour. In addition, Denmark commits to encourage relevant authorities to cooperate to create a safe and secure environment outside stadiums, and authorities must develop emergency and contingency plans. /ritzau/