Laws are not enough to tackle violence on and off the pitch – Prevention and education are needed.

 

3 October 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The latest incidents of off-field violence following two weekend football matches vindicate AKEL’s position that legislation against violence would not magically solve the problems and end a phenomenon related to social problems and deadlocks. Violence on and off the pitch can be dealt with when the causes that create it are addressed. The policies of government ruling forces have not helped to address these causes, but have helped to multiply them. The celebrations that the legislation would address violence on and off the pitch fell on deaf ears. The government for 9.5 years failed to address these phenomena. Instead, its policies have exacerbated the feeling of insecurity on and off the pitch.

AKEL’s firm position is that these phenomena can and must be addressed together with legislation and prevented with a holistic approach which includes pedagogical measures in schools. Proposals have been made, but there has been no will on the part of the government [to respond]. It has failed miserably in this issue too.