FOOTBALL fans travelling to matches abroad should in future be accompanied by members of their own national police forces, under the terms of a resolution on football hooliganism passed yesterday by the European Parliament. The lengthy resolution, prepared in the run-up to next month's European Soccer Championships in England, also calls for all offending fans to be prosecuted locally rather than be deported.
But the measure opposes any absolute requirement by the EU for all-seater stadiums, preferring instead the provision of "family stands" which would enable more women and children to attend matches in comfort.
It also calls on the European Commission to use EU competition law to crack down on clubs and tour operators which exploit supporters with exclusive deals, linking ticket sales to travel packages.
Mr Niall Andrews (FF), criticised the resolution for placing too much emphasis on racism and xenophobia and not reflecting adequately the positive side of football, as represented by the travelling Irish supporters.
He also warned there was a danger that media coverage of hooliganism could have the effect of encouraging it. "Those who are easily led can be persuaded to commit acts of violence if the dividend is front page coverage."
A British Labour MEP, Mr Robert Evans, said most soccerfans responded favourably to being treated well. "If society expects trouble and treats supporters like animals, it cannot be surprised when they behave accordingly," he said.
Commenting on the debate, Green MEP, Ms Nuala Ahern, called on the Government to ratify the 1985 European Convention on Spectator Violence.
Ireland and Germany are the only EU members yet to ratify the accord, drawn up in the aftermath of the 1985 European Cup final in Brussels, at which 39 Italian soccer fans died.
"Violent and extreme right-wing groups have used sports events in Europe for their own ends, and as we in Ireland were confronted with this in Dublin last year, we must ratify the convention," Ms Ahern said.
Ms Mary Banotti (FG), said the behaviour of Irish supporters was the exception at football matches which "were regularly spoiled by displays of violence, racism and xenophobia". This type of "lawlessness" needed to be addressed when the Maastricht Treaty was revised later this year, she added.