For a football without violence
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Football should be a passionate spectacle of shared roots, not a cause for aggression or hatred.
- Violence in stadiums and streets mars the sport, harming families and communities.
- Rivalries must be healthy and respectful, with players and fans embracing sportsmanship.
Football is meant to be a passionate spectacle, a source of shared roots and community, not a platform for aggression or hatred. The sport should unite people, not divide them based on differing allegiances.
Unfortunately, violence frequently erupts in stadiums and on streets, tarnishing the joy of the game. These acts are not the behavior of true fans; they break apart families, injure communities, and damage what should be a source of collective pride.
While rivalry is inherent to sports, it must remain healthy and respectful, confined to the game itself. Clubs like Emelec and Barcelona are urged to set an example, with players shaking hands and leaders maintaining friendly relations off the field.
True fans are encouraged to extend this sportsmanship to their neighbors and communities, recognizing them as fellow enthusiasts rather than enemies. Victory is sweeter when the opponent's merit is acknowledged, and defeat is accepted with dignity, understanding that everyone shares the same passion for the sport.
Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.