Outright undemocratic nature; restriction of basic freedoms; unprecedented ineffectiveness and, in some cases, unexpected and directly opposite consequences; legal flaws; disrespect for civil rights that have been won after long social struggles: these are the most important aspects of the Supporter’s Card (introduced by the Greek government to address the so-called “problem of football violence”) as they were illuminated in the talks given at a meeting held by our magazine. During the event, it was repeatedly stressed that similar measures implemented in various countries, as well as the successful response of the fans, show that there is a pressing need for organization and collaboration amongst supporters and social movements in order to stop this Supporter’s Card in practice.
The question is whether the Supporter’s Card can save us from hooligans. Answers to this question were given by Apostolos Kourentas (lawyer representing the Anti-Karta group of fan clubs that oppose this measure), Loukas Anastasiadis (a member of Supporters Direct Europe), Daniela Wurbs (a member of Football Supporters Europe) and Basar Yarimoglu (member of the Turkish supporters network Taraf-Der), at the event organized by Humba! on Sunday, January 17.
The talks
During a discussion that went on for more than two and a half hours, all the speakers shared their experiences from local and international fan scenes regarding the organized reaction of the supporters against similar repressive measures.
Loukas Anastasiadis talked first, explaining the role that the organization Supporters Direct Europe can play in helping fans get involved more actively in the administration of their teams. He also referred to the various initiatives undertaken by the European Union for the rationalization of sports and the enhancement of the supporters’ involvement in it.
Daniela Wurbs presented the way various Supporters’ Cards work in other European countries and how the fans addressed this problem in close collaboration with Football Supporters Europe. Furthermore, she conveyed the militant greetings sent by Italian ultras, who noted the need to conduct similar struggles with as much unity as possible.
Daniela’s talk was ideal for the next speaker, Basar Yarimoglu, to take up the thread and talk about the Turkish example of organizing and fighting against the National Supporter’s Card, named “Pasolig”. In his detailed presentation, Basar shed light on every aspect of this repressive measure, explaining how Turkish fans were able to cancel the implementation of Pasolig in practice, by taking steps both “from below” (match boycotts, fans demonstrations) and “from above” (legal actions). At present, the Turkish fans are waiting for the final decision by the Consumer Court which will hopefully vindicate their struggle.
Finally, Apostolos Kourentas analyzed in full detail the legal gaps contained in the provisions of the law that enforce the National Supporter’s Card and force everyone to get a hold of such a card in order to be able to watch football or basketball matches.
On the terraces
Many interesting arguments were made from audience members, who highlighted both the repressive and controlling character of the measure and the potential of the Anti-Karta movement to move forward and drastically demand the annulment of the measure. A common denominator of all the arguments was that the Supporter’s Card comes first for us (the fans) and then for the… rest (other social groups and society as a whole). Therefore, the successful cancellation of the measure’s implementation will mark a broader victory and it will give fans the opportunity to realize that only if they are united they can effectively respond to their common problems.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank ASTOR Cinema for letting us use the venue, as well as Apostolos, Loukas, Basar and Daniela for their invaluable help and, of course, all those who came to the event, listened, talked and exchanged ideas on such a serious matter.