Doc. 9430

7 May 2002

Violent attacks on Italian football pitches

Written Question No. 409 to the Committee of Ministers

by Mr Mehmet Telek

Greatly concerned by the recent incidents of violence that occurred following the FC Roman vs. Galatasaray football match in Rome on 13 March 2002;

Welcoming the decision of the Union of European Football Associations on the matter;

Noting with concern that there is a rise in similar incidents in Europe;

Strongly believing that sports events should be seen as opportunities for uniting peoples, promoting mutual respect, tolerance and fair play;

Reaffirming our strong commitment to the defence of the ethical values in sport and to the role sport plays;

Observing that the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour at Sports Events and relevant resolutions adopted hitherto by the Committee of Ministers has not been effective enough to prevent these incidents;

Mr Telek,

To ask the Committee of Ministers,

i.       whether there has been any investigation into the above-mentioned acts of violence in Rome within the framework of the monitoring mechanism set up by the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour at Sports Events and

ii.       what further measures the Committee of Ministers envisages taking in order to prevent such acts and ensure that their perpetrators are prosecuted.

Signed :

Telek, Turkey, European Democratic Group