Tunis: Violence in sports venues has destabilized the sporting landscape, causing damage to facilities, threatening fan safety, and affecting social peace. This issue, which transcends borders and nationalities, remains challenging due to its complexity, arising from security, socio-economic, and educational factors. Experts emphasize the need for a practical and comprehensive approach to eradicate it sustainably.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Tunisia has experienced recurrent violent incidents in stadiums and sports halls, often accompanied by vandalism and confrontations with police. The causes of this violence include disputes over refereeing decisions, bans on “dakhlas” (tifo), and rivalries between ultras groups. Experts suggest that a social analysis is crucial to understanding this phenomenon, as it manifests in various social settings like families, schools, and public spaces.
Dr. Mohamed Jouili, a sociologist from the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences in Tunis, proposes drawing inspi
ration from Belgium’s model, where programs supporting supporters have shown success. These initiatives aim to integrate disruptive supporters economically, socially, and educationally, transforming their relationship with clubs. Jouili points out that Tunisia’s challenge lies in the limited relationship between teams and supporters, focused solely on sporting results without real social commitment.
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) plays a pivotal role in combating this issue through prevention and deterrence strategies, said federation spokesman Moez Mestiri. He highlighted the rise in violence, not only between rival team supporters but also within ultras groups, driven by chauvinism. Mestiri advocates for dialogue with supporter groups and a progressive penal approach, targeting individuals guilty of violence rather than entire clubs.
Mestiri also emphasized the media’s role in responsibly addressing violence, urging them to avoid fueling tensions with divisive rhetoric. Cybersecurity expert Mondhe
r Smaali noted the exacerbation of violence by social networks, where anonymity encourages aggressive behavior. He stressed the importance of returning to values of tolerance and respect, underscoring the educational role of families and schools.
Experts conclude that a comprehensive national effort is essential to reduce violence, involving collaboration from all stakeholders in the sports sector. Establishing a modern social contract with mechanisms to reduce social tensions and incorporating alternative sanctions like community service could rehabilitate offenders, reinforcing their sense of community.