§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with sports governing bodies on measures for dealing with sports supporters who bring their sport, teams or country into disrepute. [53596]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 30 July 1998]: The Government deplore all acts of hooliganism at sporting events. I know from my regular dealings with sports governing bodies that they share this sentiment. The actions of thugs and hooligans who constitute a tiny minority detract from the good behaviour of the vast majority who are sport's true supporters. Of course, the full weight of the criminal law can be used to deal with incidents of serious disorder at sports grounds but increasingly sports organisers are tightening their own rules in response to bad behaviour.