LOGSE Soccer violence, Spain’s new vogue

Soccer violence, Spain’s new vogue

In a report produced at the start of the season, UEFA indicated that the security
measures taken in Spanish soccer league games were rated more highly than those of other European countries. Today, it is hard to imagine that UEFA’s analysis would be the same. Spanish soccer has been besmirched* in recent months by a series of violent acts, carried out not only by fans, but also by soccer players and even club directors. Such displays of aggression remain common in other European countries, particularly Italy, and are on a fearsome rise throughout South America.

The violence can take any number of forms. An individual, for instance, entering a
stadium armed with a gadget for firing flares which he proceeds to use to bombard rival fans with 13 improvised rockets, or the events in Zaragoza, where the players were forced to spend three hours in the dressing room to avoid being lynched by dozens of fans, are fast becoming routine in Spanish soccer. Throwing stones at buses is now a frequent ploy. Clubs agree that there is little they can do to put an end to the problem: the incidents occur outside the stadium, and therefore control is in the hands of the police. However, recent events have shown that clubs might have to tighten their security and set an example to avoid the spread of this worrying phenomenon.

UEFA: Union of European Football Associations

Adapted from: El País (English edition)

1. Add True or False, quoting the relevant information from the text to justify your answer. (3 points)

1. According to UEFA’s report, security measures in the Spanish soccer league were almost as good as those of other European countries.

2. Unfortunately, the number of violent incidents has been steadily increasing in South American soccer.

3. Most Spanish clubs have already taken their own control measures outside the stadium.

2. Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. Use your own words. (2 points)

1. In what ways has the situation of Spanish soccer changed from the start of the season?

2. What can clubs do to prevent these displays of aggression?

3. Complete the following sentences. The meaning should be the same as that of the sentence above. (2 points)

1. These violent acts are carried out not only by fans but also by soccer players
Both (…)

2. Clubs agreed that there was nothing they could do to put an end to that problem.
Clubs said: “(…).” (put it into direct speech)

4. Write a composition with the following title (80 -120 words):

“Violence in our society.” (Whose fault is it?)

You should include a personal comment in your composition. (3 points)