Dubai Police have issued behaviour warnings to football fans ahead of the launch of the UAE season.
Ahead of kick-off for the UAE’s pro football season fans have been told of fines of up to $8,200 for offences including entering the pitch, bringing fireworks to matches, stadium violence and throwing things at players or opposition fans.
Dubai Police will also imprison and fine spectators making offensive gestures when watching matches at stadiums in the city.
Dubai Police football warning
The Dubai Police have launched the annual “Your Commitment to Happiness” initiative to educate the public about the importance of obeying the law when attending sport events.
Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs in Dubai Police, said the initiative aims to ensure the highest safety and security standards for sporting events including live football in the UAE.
Maj. Gen. Al Ghaithi pointed out the Dubai Police’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes and the various facilities and tournaments held throughout the country.
“These efforts extend to all individuals attending and participating in sports events and festivals, which have become an integral part of the UAE’s societal fabric,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Al Ghaithi encouraged the fans to strictly follow the guidelines for crowd management while entering and exiting the stadiums, emphasising the importance of adhering to safety and security measures and fostering a sportsmanlike spirit.
Regarding the moral obligations of fans, Major General Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, explained that federal laws concerning the security of facilities and sports events have clearly defined the responsibilities of the sports audience and the corresponding penalties for any violations of these obligations.
He clarified that Article 17 of the law outlines the specific obligations of the sports audience as follows:
- They are prohibited from entering the actual playing field or the designated sports event area without permission
- They must not bring or possess any prohibited or hazardous substances, especially fireworks, within the sports facility or the event venue
- They must adhere to the regulations regarding the carrying or acquisition of weapons as determined by the Minister of Interior
- They are required to occupy the designated seating areas.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Abdullah Tarsh Al Amimi, Coordinator of the “Your Commitment to Happiness,” clarified that the law imposes sanctions for failing to comply with the abovementioned provisions.
He said: “The penalties include imprisonment for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months, and a fine of at least AED5,000 ($1,361) and not exceeding AED30,000 ($8,200), or either penalty.
Lt. Col. Al Amimi further indicated that the law imposes imprisonment and a fine of at least AED10,000 ($2,723) and not exceeding AED30,000 ($8,200), or either penalty, on individuals who commit, participate in, incite, or attempt to commit acts of violence.
“The same penalties apply to those who throw any substances or liquids of any type towards any other fan or towards the area surrounding the playground or the playing field.
“Likewise, those who utter or write any insulting language or make any gestures that would be insulting or make any statements of racial nature during the holding of the Sports Event, or exploit the stadium for political purposes, will face the same penalties” he concluded.
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