MADRID
Spain is bringing in new measures to cut football violence which will see teams of stadium monitors collect evidence of abusive, racist or violent outbursts from fans.
The moves come into force on Wednesday and are the outcome of a process which began after a fan was killed last November in fighting between Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna fans.
Reports from observers – including video footage – will be combined with information from match officials and submitted to a new commission, the Sports Council of Spain has revealed.
The Sports Council accepted the package offered by the Spanish Football Federation.
Observers will be able to interfere instantly when they detect any kind of insulting, abusive chanting or racist outbursts against players.
Fans will be removed from the grounds and there will be additional penalties for clubs, such as playing matches behind closed doors or a partial closure of stadiums.
Clubs with a high level of violence may lose league points or face relegation.
