Football: Ex-Oyo CP proffers solution to violence at match venues

IMMEDIATE past Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Leye Oyebade, has called for synergy between the police and football stakeholders in handling violence at match venues.

Oyebade, who has just been redeployed to Abia State made the call in Ibadan at a lecture organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter.

He noted that: “The game of football is that which there must be a winner and loser.

“Human beings are the problem. The team management, supporters and officials are the main cause of the violence at match venues

He said that violence erupts at match venue as a result of the win-at-all-cost spirit of fans and bad officiating, adding that such orientation needed to be put under control.

The CP in his lecture entitled “How to overcome security challenges at match venues” stressed the need for all the major actors in the game to play their roles well.

He stressed the need for more sensitisation of supporters, managers, coaches, referees, media and club owners.

According to him, “pre-match meetings, seminars or workshops will help a lot in curbing violence.”

He explained that proper planning prevents poor performance, urging stakeholders to evolve proactive strategies at preventing such.

Oyebade, who admitted inadequate police personnels, called for the use of modern technology, while security agents uphold the fearlessness, firmness and professionalism as core values.

He urged the managers to ensure the structuring of match venues in line with security and safety considerations.

Oyebade, added that officials and other stakeholders should also eschew corrupt practices in the discharge of their roles.

The Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development (South-West zone),

Dr Steve Olarinoye, corroborated Oyebade’s highlighted points, urging stakeholders to synergise in order to achieve the desired result.

He described the programme as a good development, saying it was one of the best programmes organised by Oyo SWAN.

In his remarks, Oyo SWAN Chairman, Mr Niyi Alebiosu, said that the programme was one of the numerous programmes listed to uplift the development of sports in the state.

Similarly, the Vice-President, SWAN South-West, Mr Boye Ajayi,  noted that if stakeholders including media practitioners maintain the rules and regulations of the game, match venues would be safe for all.

Meanwhile, CP Leye Oyebade has agreed to sponsor a table tennis competition to be tagged “Leye Oyebade Tennis Competition” which will form part of the activities to mark Oyo SWAN Week celebration later in the year.