Fans Have The Right To Travel In Safety

Last updated : 25 March 2007 By Ed_ScottishFitba
SFA chief executive, David Taylor insists travelling fans safety must be a priority issue for UEFA to address. Taylor leaves his Scottish post this month to become UEFA's new general secretary -new president Michel Platini's "
right-hand man". And after recent problems involving Rangers and Manchester United fans at Osasuna and Lille respectively, Taylor believes UEFA may have to act to set "minimum standards" of security for all clubs to abide by. Pamplona police were accused by Rangers fans of being heavy-handed during their recent UEFA Cup trip to Spain, and the investigation into events at that game goes on. Lille were fined by UEFA for security breaches and poor organisation following United's trip to France on February 20. The game at the Stade Felix-Bollaert in Lens was disrupted when United fans became crushed into a section of the ground and police responded by firing tear gas.

Taylor said: "
They have to be safe when they're travelling and going to stadiums in different countries in Europe - we can't have football matches where there's an unsafe environment. We are very disappointed with some of the things that have been happening recently. I think it's a bit naive to think we need absolute standardisation across Europe - because there are different cultures, different police forces, different security methods - but there should be certain minimum standards that people can enjoy. I think that's obviously now very much up towards the top of the European football agenda because of what's been happening in recent weeks."

Taylor is looking forward eagerly to his new role within UEFA, and his working relationship with Platini. He said: "
It'll be very close, it's like chairman-chief executive, president-general secretary. I expect to be his right-hand man, carrying forward many of his new ideas and policies."
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