This security framework enables authorities to suspend and evacuate sports events immediately when violence, racism, or discriminatory behavior occurs, following a Home Affairs directive designed to address the growing occurrence of such conduct at parties and matches.
The circular, issued this Thursday by Rafael Pérez, the State Minister for Security, Strength, and public order, strengthens the tools available to stadium authorities and law enforcement. It comes in response to incidents of racist abuse observed during the Real Madrid versus Valencia match at Mestalla. The Security Coordinator is empowered to advise referees to pause or halt proceedings and, if necessary, to evacuate portions or all sections of a venue when violent acts, incitement to violence, or racially, xenophobically, or intolerantly motivated conduct are detected. The Interior Ministry confirmed these measures are part of a broader crackdown on fan behavior at sporting events.
Introduced under the Law Against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport, the directive designates a standing member of the Security Forces who directs and coordinates policing at events and oversees the Agency Control Unit to safeguard the integrity and safety of sports competitions.
The policy addresses the surge in recorded incidents at sporting events where fans, driven by competitive heat and the anonymity of large crowds, express offensive rhetoric that targets opponents with hateful or discriminatory language and behavior. The commission on hate crimes notes that such acts range from verbal abuse to threats and harassment, and they are treated as serious violations of public safety and sportsmanship.
Suspension or eviction actions may result from statements, gestures, or insults that demean race, ethnicity, geography, social origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. The policy also covers harassment in stadiums, surrounding areas, and on public transit when the intent is to humiliate, intimidate, or degrade individuals or groups. In addition, slogans, banners, flags, or symbols that convey humiliating or intimidating messages can trigger disruption measures, including temporary suspension of the match or partial or full evacuation of stands until order is restored. A match may be resumed later or terminated if the situation cannot be stabilized promptly. The instruction notes that a representative can order evacuation on their own initiative in urgent public safety scenarios or when attempts to restore order have failed and immediate action is necessary.
In and around the venue, the law classifies as a violation any behavior that combines violence with racist, xenophobic, or intolerant actions by spectators or organizers, whether occurring on the premises, nearby areas, or during travel to and from the site. The policy applies regardless of whether the conduct is observed inside the venue or reported through media channels before formal measures are taken.
Organizers are held to account for acts of tolerance and support that enable such behavior. Active participation, encouragement, or promotion of discriminatory activity by clubs, associations, or supporter groups is considered a violation and can lead to disciplinary consequences. The security coordinator may file formal reports or complaints when organizers fail to cooperate or when the severity of events warrants further action. The framework also supports initiating disciplinary proceedings and providing appropriate documentation to pursue criminal, administrative, or sports-related accountability.