Portugal creates new entity to combat violence, racism in sport

The Portuguese government on Thursday approved the creation of the Authority to Prevent and Combat Violence in Sport and changes to the legal system to facilitate action against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sports events.

In a statement, the government said that the new authority, along with security forces and the Commission for Equality, would be charged with assuring and monitoring the compliance with laws against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance at public sporting events and promote civic behavior and peace ... in these public places."

At its regular weekly meeting, the cabinet also approved a bill to change the laws governing action against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance at sports events "to increase the speed and transparency of proceedings."

The Portuguese security forces will now have a tighter deadline to send an official report to the new authority.

Some 50 people broke into Sporting Lisbon's training complex in Alcochete, in the Barreiro district, on May 15, and attacked a number of Sporting Lisbon footballers.

The players were preparing for a training session ahead of Portugal's Cup Final on May 20, in which Sporting Lisbon face Desportivo das Aves.

The attackers were said to be protesting Sporting Lisbon's poor performance in the final game of the league season on May 13.

A 2-1 defeat to Maritimo meant that Sporting Lisbon finished third in the championship, one place below their city rival Benfica, and thus missed out on qualification for the European Champions League.