FIFPRO Report Highlights Rising Concern Over Fan Violence in Football

Survey reveals players' fear of escalating aggression, with calls for increased use of technology and stronger action from clubs.

Footballers are increasingly concerned about their safety due to a rise in fan violence and abuse, according to a FIFPRO report.
The report, based on player interviews and a survey of 41 national unions, highlights issues such as missiles and flares being thrown from the stands, pitch invasions, and verbal abuse.
Violence and abuse can lead to poor performance and mental health issues among players, with 88% of unions saying the threat of violence affects player performance, and 83% linking it to mental health issues.
98% of unions would welcome increased use of technology, such as security scanners and facial recognition, to catch and deter perpetrators, and 88% believe clubs should do more to ban violent fans.
Instances of violence include significant injuries from thrown objects, racist abuse on the pitch, and attacks on team buses, such as the injury to Lyon manager Fabio Grosso.