UEFA backs anti-violence exhibition

An exhibition which examines the myriad emotions that arise in a football stadium - in particular, negative emotions such as racism, discrimination and violence - has opened in the German city of Essen.

Essen venue
The exhibition is called Kultort Stadion - The stadium as a cult venue - and is organised by the German Football Association (DFB) in conjunction with the Littmann Kulturprojekte Basel organisation. Part-funded by UEFA, it is taking place in Hall No5 of the Zeche Zollverein complex in Essen until 19 December.

Anti-racism campaign
This event is the latest in which not only UEFA, but one of its major member associations, is highlighting the European campaign against racism, violence and intolerance in football stadiums. "For 20 years now, a phenomenon has been observed in Europe's football stadiums whereby a minority use the arenas as a platform for violent and discriminatory actions," the DFB said.

Social damage
"Even when this is measured against the millions of people who regularly enjoy football in a peaceful manner, and even if it is only a minority who cause these disturbances to the mood and atmosphere, the dissonance is too loud to be ignored, and the social damage too great to be disregarded.

Food for thought
"With this exhibition, the DFB, in co-operation with the Littmann Kulturprojekte Basel, examines this phenomenon, and portrays the problem areas, mechanisms and dynamics relating to such excesses in an unusual form and with surprising connections, while also bringing the issue up for discussion. Visitors are able to see and perceive football's modern-day tightrope walk between gripping emotions and unbridled aggression."

December forum
The exhibition is accompanied by a programme that includes discussion groups featuring coaches, club officials, police, journalists, fans and experts. A key forum takes place on 9 December at 7.30pm in the main hall of the Essen Volkshochschule, asking the question: "How much repression does fan culture need, and how much free space can it tolerate?"

Cultural events
Participants will include Helmut Spahn, the 2006 FIFA World Cup organising committee's safety and security chief, and VfL Wolfburg club manager Klaus Fuchs, as well as police and fans' representatives. Cultural events are also planned by the DFB, such as a rock concert in the Zelle Carl in Essen on 16 December (8pm, entry from 7.30pm) under the title Stimmung statt Randale - Rock gegen Gewalt (A good mood instead of riots - Rock against violence).

Further details about the exhibition can be found on the DFB website www.dfb.de or by telephoning the DFB on 0049 69 6788472.