When the game is not fun

One of the most prevalent social issues in Chile every weekend is violence in football stadiums. In TV news, newspapers and the Internet can see that game after game thousands of fans are involved in fights between rival team opposite or same equipment, theft, damage to public and private property, drug abuse, etc. Football left the game spirit and happy activity, and went on to become a space for crime.

 

Because of these problems, many families had left the stadium, allowing the entry of criminals. Although the government, politicians, teams, fans and society at large perceive chaos, violence continues in an endless spiral. Whenever these problems different actors talk about the need to confront the situation occur. For example, increasing the control of the police around the stadiums, deny access to people with a history of violence, increase prison sentences for violators, creating a new law. But all the talk comes to nothing, and things remain the same.

 

In my opinion, I think the problem is being addressed in the leaves but not the roots. The stadium violence comes mainly from lack of education. Everyone who will watch their teams deserve the security, in addition to having the best conditions to see the show. Many people today believe in Chile to go to the stadium stands to do what they want, especially excesses.

That is why I consider that the measures taken should seek to prevent rather than persecution. As a society we must give our children the value of sharing public activities, the importance of tolerating another person, regardless of their preferences, and especially teach that sport is a space for joy, friendship and family, and not by the violence, fighting or hatred.

I hope someday to go to the stadium is an activity safely.