Schmid mulls security measures for EUFA EURO 2008

Switzerland's sports minister Samuel Schmid said hooliganism will be countered at UEFA EURO 2008, and a force of 10,000 soldiers could be on hand for security.
 
Cchmid said in an interview with the Swiss Sonntagszeitung newspaper that measures might include alcohol bans outside the arenas and the use of electronic face-recognition technology.
 
"I am personally in favour of an alcohol ban outside the stadiums," Schmid said. "Alcohol is a catalyst for violence. However, responsibility for the decision remains with the individual [Swiss] cantons, and detailed planning must be carried out by the police."
 
He also advocates the use of video cameras for identity controls.
The Swiss cabinet minister said he agreed with the idea of withdrawing a ban on night flights for the tournament.
 
"Portugal showed us during UEFA EURO 2004 how important it is to keep potentially violent fans away," Schmid added. "This measure would remove the concerns that arise when thousands of fans spend the night somewhere."
 
The country has reacted with concern to events at a recent football matc, when crowds of supporters invaded the pitch at Basle's St. Jakob-Park after a dramatic end to the Swiss title decider between FC Basel 1983 and FC Zürich.
 
"[The events in] Basle were a harsh reminder. Unfortunately, such things are part of big events nowadays," Schmid said. "In this respect, Basle was the best proof that we will have to take measures."

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