Lawmakers in Bern Canton are advocating for a significant shift in how fan violence is addressed. A new motion, backed by a cross-party group, proposes focusing on prosecuting individual offenders rather than applying collective punishments. This initiative follows recent disturbances involving BSC Young Boys fans during a Europa League match in Birmingham.
The proposal aims to strengthen police capabilities and streamline legal processes, moving away from broad sanctions that often impact innocent supporters. It seeks to ensure that those responsible for violent acts face direct and swift consequences.
Key Takeaways
- Bern Canton lawmakers propose individual prosecution for fan violence.
- The motion seeks to end collective punishments.
- It calls for a specialized police unit and faster legal procedures.
- BSC Young Boys President supports targeting individual perpetrators.
New Approach to Fan Violence
SVP Grand Councillor Fabian Zulliger, alongside eight other Grand Council members from various parties, has submitted a motion to the Bernese Grand Council. This motion calls for a targeted approach to individual perpetrators in cases of fan violence. The goal is to move away from collective punishments, which often affect an entire group of fans.
The impetus for this proposal stems from the unrest seen during the Europa League match involving BSC Young Boys in Birmingham in November 2025. These events sparked a broader discussion in Bern about effective strategies to combat fan-related disturbances.
Fact: Cross-Party Support
The motion is supported by members from a wide range of political parties, including SVP, FDP, EVP, EDU, GLP, and Mitte. This broad backing highlights a shared concern across the political spectrum regarding fan violence.
Strengthening Law Enforcement and Justice
The proposed measures are designed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and the judicial system. One key demand is the establishment of a specialized police unit dedicated to combating sports violence. This unit would focus on identifying and apprehending individuals responsible for disruptive behavior.
Another crucial element of the motion is the call for rapid legal proceedings against offenders. This would ensure that individuals who commit violent acts face justice without undue delay. Furthermore, the motion emphasizes the need for increased evaluation of video footage, a critical tool in identifying perpetrators.
"The targeted prosecution of individual perpetrators is essential. It prevents innocent fans from suffering due to the actions of a few and ensures accountability where it belongs." – Fabian Zulliger, SVP Grand Councillor
Impact on BSC Young Boys
The football club BSC Young Boys has also expressed support for a shift towards individual accountability. Marcel Brülhart, President of YB, has previously voiced concerns about the perceived reduction of resources available in Switzerland to combat fan violence. He believes this has led to a situation where such offenses often go unpunished.
According to Brülhart, the current system has made individual perpetrator prosecution "practically discontinued." This has created an environment where violent acts can be committed with little fear of consequences. The new motion aligns with the club's desire for more effective enforcement.
Background: Collective Punishments
Historically, collective punishments, such as stadium bans or financial penalties applied to clubs, have been common responses to fan violence. While intended to deter, critics argue these measures unfairly punish a large number of peaceful supporters for the actions of a minority.
The Need for Swift Justice
The push for rapid procedures is a central component of the motion. When arrests are made, such as the one during the Aston Villa match where a YB fan was apprehended on site, swift legal action is crucial. Delayed processes can undermine the deterrent effect and public trust in the justice system.
The use of video evidence is also vital. Modern stadium security systems and public surveillance often capture incidents, providing valuable material for identifying those involved. Enhancing the analysis of this footage can significantly improve the success rate of individual prosecutions.
- Specialized Police Unit: A dedicated team focusing on sports-related violence.
- Fast-Track Justice: Expedited legal processes for offenders.
- Video Analysis: Increased utilization of surveillance footage to identify individuals.
Long-Term Goals for Fan Safety
This legislative push represents an effort to create a safer environment for all sports enthusiasts. By focusing on individual accountability, lawmakers hope to deter violent behavior more effectively and foster a culture of responsibility among fans. It also seeks to protect the majority of well-behaved supporters from the repercussions of a few troublemakers.
The debate surrounding fan violence is ongoing, but this motion from Bern Canton signals a clear direction towards more targeted and effective interventions. The outcome of this proposal in the Grand Council will be closely watched by football clubs, fan organizations, and law enforcement agencies across Switzerland.