Benin: why is there so much violence in stadiums?

During the first phase of the championship, known as the Ligue Pro, several cases of violence were recorded in stadiums in Benin. The latest, on Saturday 3 June 2023, was the assault on the match commissioner at the US Cavaliers vs Bani Gansè FC game, on matchday 21 of the Super Ligue Pro at the Nikki multi-sport stadium.

Responsibility shared between those involved

“It shows a lack of seriousness on the part of the governing bodies, because it's not the first time”, says Jean-Paul Hemekpan, a sports reporter in Cotonou. In his view, “responsibility sometimes lies with club officials, given a misplaced word or gesture on their part when everyone is so tense about results”. Blaise Godonou, a supporter, backs that view. “These scenes of violence are generally the result of frustration among supporters and hooligans”.

Mahutin Hounyè, an observer of the local league, points to poor refereeing. “Referees are good today, then tomorrow they have an off day. We can't hold it against them, but there are some referees who decide the outcome of certain games, and they do it knowingly”. Brice Igue, referee instructor-trainer in Benin and a match commissioner in the national championship, takes a broader view and identifies several causes. “There is a lack of knowledge of the laws of the game among those involved and the public, poor performances from some referees, and the presence of alcohol or other drugs in stadiums”.

“Sometimes you come to the stadium and there are only two police officers”

Article 19, paragraph 2 of the professional championship regulations states that “the host club, in collaboration with the Benin Football League (the match commissioner), organises order and security inside the stadium and its immediate surroundings before, during and after the match. The club is responsible for any incident that may occur”. For every league fixture, the host club notifies the police station in its area, which sends officers to provide security. “Sometimes you come to the stadium and there are only two police officers, and after kick-off they disappear”, says Mahutin Hounyè. Match commissioner Brice Igue adds to this and laments the conduct of the security forces. “It must be stressed that there are not enough security officers in stadiums, and those there do not actually play their role, because their main concern is watching the match”, he laments.

Beyond training and awareness-raising, sanctions need to be toughened

Shortly before the start of the Super Ligue Pro, the Professional Football League of Benin did organise an information and awareness seminar on the disciplinary code relating to security and violence. For effective security in stadiums, Coton FC secretary general Abdel-Wassi Gbadamassi recommends setting up a corps of stewards. “The League can train people who in turn will train stewards. The CAF has already banned the carrying of weapons in stadiums”.

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Brice Igue believes those responsible for acts of violence must be dealt with more severely. “The only sanction that can have an effect is awarding the match as a defeat; a points deduction could act as a deterrent. The criminal law could also come down harder and be an even stronger deterrent, for example by lengthening prison sentences and stadium bans, or by adding fines”.

A close observer of the national championship, Mahutin Hounyè is more realistic and explains that change will depend on the club officials. “It will be hard to impose real sanctions as long as the same club officials sit on the federation's executive committee. Until we get tough on the culprits, an end to violence in stadiums is not on the cards any time soon”, he warns.

Rachidi Dossa