New fan legislation

I’ve been reading through this thread regarding the new fan law, and I honestly don't get why everyone is getting so worked up about it.

Take the masking issue, for example. The law states that masking is prohibited for the purpose of hiding your identity if the goal is to dodge responsibility for a violation. To me, that means wearing face paint or team colors is perfectly fine—that's just being a fan. It’s only an issue if you’re wearing a mask and a disguise while throwing a flare onto the field..

Then there’s the alcohol rule. They’ve set the limit at 0.1% BAC. Once you factor in the Draeger 10 % tolerance, you’re looking at roughly 0.12 to 0.13. Depending on your body type and how fast you drink, that’s basically two to four beers. If you’re already wasted, you’re a liability in the stands anyway, so why even show up? Besides, most stadiums aren't exactly selling heavy craft brews; it’s usually just light stuff.

As for minors caught committing a violation (like lighting flares), the rule says they should be reported to everyone involved. What on earth? The idea is to notify parents and social services. Now, involving the school seems like a stretch—I’m not really on board with that part—but parents definitely need to know if their kid is out there breaking the law.

In my opinion, you guys are overreacting a bit, provided you aren't actually looking to cause trouble...🤷

My advice? Have a lawyer's number ready to go right there at the stadium. Let them deal with the police; the cops aren't going to appreciate being provoked. You have a legal right to counsel and to use whatever legal remedies are available to you. That’s a much smarter move than just shouting insults at everyone in sight. Write down the badge number of any officer who harasses you, file a report, and keep a lawyer on speed dial. Show them that you are a disciplined, organized group rather than just a "drunk mob," as that old song goes...

"Get out of town, the drunk crew is coming in..." or something like that.

Jamie James6.... I can see you haven't actually read the fan law, because if you had, you'd know exactly what we're discussing here..

Jamie James6 said:I’ve been reading through this thread regarding the new fan law, and I honestly don't get why everyone is getting so worked up about it.

Take the masking issue, for example. The law states that masking is prohibited for the purpose of hiding your identity if the goal is to dodge responsibility for a violation. To me, that means wearing face paint or team colors is perfectly fine—that's just being a fan. It’s only an issue if you’re wearing a mask and a disguise while throwing a flare onto the field..

Then there’s the alcohol rule. They’ve set the limit at 0.1% BAC. Once you factor in the Draeger 10 % tolerance, you’re looking at roughly 0.12 to 0.13. Depending on your body type and how fast you drink, that’s basically two to four beers. If you’re already wasted, you’re a liability in the stands anyway, so why even show up? Besides, most stadiums aren't exactly selling heavy craft brews; it’s usually just light stuff.

As for minors caught committing a violation (like lighting flares), the rule says they should be reported to everyone involved. What on earth? The idea is to notify parents and social services. Now, involving the school seems like a stretch—I’m not really on board with that part—but parents definitely need to know if their kid is out there breaking the law.

In my opinion, you guys are overreacting a bit, provided you aren't actually looking to cause trouble...🤷

My advice? Have a lawyer's number ready to go right there at the stadium. Let them deal with the police; the cops aren't going to appreciate being provoked. You have a legal right to counsel and to use whatever legal remedies are available to you. That’s a much smarter move than just shouting insults at everyone in sight. Write down the badge number of any officer who harasses you, file a report, and keep a lawyer on speed dial. Show them that you are a disciplined, organized group rather than just a "drunk mob," as that old song goes...

"Get out of town, the drunk crew is coming in..." or something like that.

🤣🤣🤣

My dear God, how can anyone be this brainwashed? Jamie James6, why don't you come to a game with us sometime and try asking the cops for their badge numbers then?🤣

What kind of nonsense are you writing? "Zelbsverštendlih," "promising," or whatever else—honestly, aren't you getting tired of all these clones?🤣

Daniel Carter9 said:🤣🤣🤣

My dear God, how can anyone be this brainwashed? Jamie James6, why don't you come to a game with us sometime and try asking the cops for their badge numbers then?🤣

What kind of nonsense are you writing? "Zelbsverštendlih," "promising," or whatever else—honestly, aren't you getting tired of all these clones?🤣

The idiot just took our suggestions and is now trying to act like he's interpreting them himself... 😲🙄😂

Look, we were arguing that wearing masks should only be penalized if it's done alongside another crime, and we were pushing for a 0.1% blood alcohol limit, while the Government is aiming for 0.5%.

Just ignore him. ☕

Carol Wright9 said:The Fan Law treats fans like terrorists

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite being a constitutional expert, Dr. Branko Smerdel passionately argued before the Constitutional Committee that the proposed sports riot prevention law—the so-called Đurđin law—violates fundamental human and constitutional rights. Nevertheless, the committee, chaired by Vladimir Šeks, voted unanimously to move the proposal forward into the Congressional legislative process.
- "The proposed law grants the police far too much authority," noted Dr. Branko Smerdel. "If we are moving toward total repression, where are the provisions protecting citizens' rights against abuse or the accountability for violating those rules? It violates the constitutional right to freedom of movement. For instance, under Article 7, an individual heading to a sporting event could be detained if their behavior causes suspicion. This means officers could potentially detain me and my friend while we're walking toward the Dinamo stadium at Maksimir, even if we were actually just on our way to the zoo and looking a bit disheveled after having a few drinks. That is simply unacceptable." Dr. Branko Smerdel, who doesn't consider himself an aggressive hooligan, expressed feeling personally threatened by this legislation.

- "This deviates from the presumption of innocence," he continued. "There are some US Senators who believe terrorists don't have human rights, and even they wouldn't have been able to pass something like this there. Fans have human rights, too. I am particularly concerned that there isn't a system in place to oversee police conduct. I believe the courts should supervise the police, who in turn should supervise the volunteer stewards," suggested Dr. Branko Smerdel.

However, when the representative from the Department of Homeland Security pointed out that in America there are "only 284 fans who cause riots regardless of the type of sporting event," and that such unrest requires urgent repression, the committee members unanimously decided that the law—regardless of how much it might inconvenience gentlemen who accidentally enjoy a drink during a game—should proceed to Congress.

That's just how it goes... hats off to the man.

This post made my day. A few ideas immediately came to mind...

Jamie James6 said:I’ve been reading through this thread regarding the new fan law, and I honestly don't get why everyone is getting so worked up about it.

Take the masking issue, for example. The law states that masking is prohibited for the purpose of hiding your identity if the goal is to dodge responsibility for a violation. To me, that means wearing face paint or team colors is perfectly fine—that's just being a fan. It’s only an issue if you’re wearing a mask and a disguise while throwing a flare onto the field..

Then there’s the alcohol rule. They’ve set the limit at 0.1% BAC. Once you factor in the Draeger 10 % tolerance, you’re looking at roughly 0.12 to 0.13. Depending on your body type and how fast you drink, that’s basically two to four beers. If you’re already wasted, you’re a liability in the stands anyway, so why even show up? Besides, most stadiums aren't exactly selling heavy craft brews; it’s usually just light stuff.

As for minors caught committing a violation (like lighting flares), the rule says they should be reported to everyone involved. What on earth? The idea is to notify parents and social services. Now, involving the school seems like a stretch—I’m not really on board with that part—but parents definitely need to know if their kid is out there breaking the law.

In my opinion, you guys are overreacting a bit, provided you aren't actually looking to cause trouble...🤷

My advice? Have a lawyer's number ready to go right there at the stadium. Let them deal with the police; the cops aren't going to appreciate being provoked. You have a legal right to counsel and to use whatever legal remedies are available to you. That’s a much smarter move than just shouting insults at everyone in sight. Write down the badge number of any officer who harasses you, file a report, and keep a lawyer on speed dial. Show them that you are a disciplined, organized group rather than just a "drunk mob," as that old song goes...

"Get out of town, the drunk crew is coming in..." or something like that.

I propose every group keeps at least three lawyers on hand: one for home games, one for away games within the US, and a third for traveling abroad...👍

Jamie James6 said:I’ve been reading through this thread regarding the new fan law, and I honestly don't get why everyone is getting so worked up about it.

Take the masking issue, for example. The law states that masking is prohibited for the purpose of hiding your identity if the goal is to dodge responsibility for a violation. To me, that means wearing face paint or team colors is perfectly fine—that's just being a fan. It’s only an issue if you’re wearing a mask and a disguise while throwing a flare onto the field..

Then there’s the alcohol rule. They’ve set the limit at 0.1% BAC. Once you factor in the Draeger 10 % tolerance, you’re looking at roughly 0.12 to 0.13. Depending on your body type and how fast you drink, that’s basically two to four beers. If you’re already wasted, you’re a liability in the stands anyway, so why even show up? Besides, most stadiums aren't exactly selling heavy craft brews; it’s usually just light stuff.

As for minors caught committing a violation (like lighting flares), the rule says they should be reported to everyone involved. What on earth? The idea is to notify parents and social services. Now, involving the school seems like a stretch—I’m not really on board with that part—but parents definitely need to know if their kid is out there breaking the law.

In my opinion, you guys are overreacting a bit, provided you aren't actually looking to cause trouble...🤷

My advice? Have a lawyer's number ready to go right there at the stadium. Let them deal with the police; the cops aren't going to appreciate being provoked. You have a legal right to counsel and to use whatever legal remedies are available to you. That’s a much smarter move than just shouting insults at everyone in sight. Write down the badge number of any officer who harasses you, file a report, and keep a lawyer on speed dial. Show them that you are a disciplined, organized group rather than just a "drunk mob," as that old song goes...

"Get out of town, the drunk crew is coming in..." or something like that.

Those guys aren't exactly known for their communication skills; it mostly boils down to repetitive motions, like swinging a baton up, swinging a baton down. They love repeating that motion. So, instead of uselessly chatting to find an officer's ID, they should just stamp their number onto the baton. Then your mom or girlfriend can read it off the club or your head when you get home...

👍 😍

Kimberly Alvarez7 said:This post made my day. A few ideas immediately came to mind...

I propose every group keeps at least three lawyers on hand: one for home games, one for away games within the US, and a third for traveling abroad...👍

Those guys aren't exactly known for their communication skills; it mostly boils down to repetitive motions, like swinging a baton up, swinging a baton down. They love repeating that motion. So, instead of uselessly chatting to find an officer's ID, they should just stamp their number onto the baton. Then your mom or girlfriend can read it off the club or your head when you get home...

👍 😍

🙏 🤣 😁

If only more of those people drafting this fan law actually listened to someone like Branko Smerdel. The man said it himself—when a constitutional law expert tells you it’s a serious issue, it’s serious. But what does that even matter when the decisions are being made by the people currently sitting in Congress (and let's be honest, they're mostly just drunk opportunists)? They’re pushing through this fan law and talk of punishment regarding "masked" fans right before the World Men's Handball Championship—all while you can walk into any shop or market and find the exact "gear" they claim to ban. For instance, face masks patterned after local colors—you know, something like a Batman mask NIE considered masking, but rather a tribute to a beloved team JE. And then there's the flare situation: if you light one at a wedding or a huge party, it's a beautiful celebration of spirit, but the second it happens at a stadium, suddenly it's a criminal offense? I don't think I even need to list the other hypocrisies here; we all know exactly how this game is played. The only way we stop this fan law from passing is by standing together.

TOGETHER AGAINST THE FAN LAW

Cheers,

So, I was watching the sessions in Congress on TV the other day, and man, I think you guys were probably getting goosebumps just watching it. It’s wild seeing who actually writes our laws and how they go about it—it's a miracle we're still moving forward at all. The whole level of communication is a joke. It's just "we did this" versus "you did that," and don't even get me started on how these people land those high-paying jobs. Honestly, it's better comedy than anything else on television. It makes me wonder about their actual knowledge base before they vote. These representatives have already proven time and again that they often don't have a clue what they're talking about, usually just voting along party lines or simply to spite the other side. Now, I'm not a "fan" in the sense people use it here, but if we have a sport—soccer, specifically—where you have two teams going head-to-head, you have competition, rivalry, tension... it's built-in. You don't have all 22 players running around together in harmony. So, naturally, that rivalry spills over into the stands or the spectators because people tie their identities to these clubs. Every subculture has its own customs and ways of doing things. That's why any fan law should have actually studied those groups or at least tried to understand them. If the law had some logic, it might work. Right now, if you act like a hooligan, you get punished like a hooligan. But look at this: say my uncle and I go to a game once every ten years. We grab a couple of beers, he wears a scarf, I wear a hat, and some random thugs start fighting near us. We stay perfectly calm, yet suddenly we're facing bans and fines like we're the biggest ultra-hooligans out there. When asked why, the answer is simple: we just showed up to the game. That’s the core of the problem, and that's what bugs me. Imagine going to a concert and getting banned from seeing your favorite band forever just because of some drinking, singing too loud, stage diving, or dancing... 😁
I didn't mean to ramble, but this is just my take on the situation. I'm always for personal freedom and human rights. If the future of fan culture becomes a bunch of mindless idiots—not literally, but people without an ounce of their own opinion, following whatever mindless slogans or trumpets some corporate-sponsored puppet screams into a microphone—then I'm standing right there with you!

P.s. I just remembered another example of double standards: remember near Mount Sljeme during the New Year's tour? Or even in Innsbruck where two Austrians were on the podium? Apparently, setting off flares there is just considered "creating a magnificent atmosphere!"

Honestly, this whole thing about flares is just a massive display of double standards. One minute they’re cracking down on fans for lighting them, then you see the "VIP" suites for the big shots throwing them around—it’s hypocritical on a massive scale. And don't even get me started on Mr. Mystery over there.

The way I see it, we need to either define the rules clearly and set boundaries, or actually enforce the law strictly without any special treatment. If the law is supposedly being enforced, then everyone should face the consequences—fans, players, coaches, whoever. No exceptions.
But obviously, some people are more equal than others when it comes to the law. Especially since pyrotechnics have been banned all over Europe for ages anyway. Personally, I don't mind them, unless they're being thrown onto the field to cause delays. If the goal is truly to stop matches for legitimate reasons and hand out sanctions, then go all the way. But if they're just tossing them for no reason, what's the point of all the whining after the fines hit? It makes the group look hypocritical too; they should have distanced themselves from those hooligans long ago. Even if flares create atmosphere, it feels like it's regressing lately. Is it going to be 80 flares or 140 at the next derby? It's not like it's anything new or cool anymore.

And regarding what you said about supporters using horns and whistles—man, I feel for you. If that's the future of cheering, we're doomed. We're looking at a total lack of style. Stadiums are getting emptier because they're hiking up prices so fast—just like they did with the World Men's Handball Championship—effectively pricing people out and turning everything into some tacky masquerade. On the other hand, I get it; it's all about the money, the market, and the sponsors. They're terrified of the actual fans. Just imagine their fear or embarrassment if someone pulls a flare stunt during the finals of the World Men's Handball Championship... who knows what they're thinking? They'd much rather have sponsors that fit that typical American carnival vibe.

One part of this touches on the new fan law

Look, the whole thing about the fan law is actually pretty solid. It’s decent... I just wish they’d write more stuff like this regarding the fans.

silentsurfer19 said:Look, the whole thing about the fan law is actually pretty solid. It’s decent... I just wish they’d write more stuff like this regarding the fans.

Nobody takes him seriously. Whether he's posting or not, everything he says is just shouting into the void.

Does anyone happen to know the exact number of groups currently facing bans?

That interview with the news anchor on Free Press

Honestly, they didn't even ask her any decent questions—you know, like actually asking for her take on the new fan legislation or something useful. Instead, it was just total nonsense designed to start a fight...

Man, my vocabulary is absolutely trashed lately.🤣

I beg your pardon?

🤣

Maria Peterson11 said:Does anyone happen to know the exact number of groups currently facing bans?

The local supporters are already over the limit...

– It is their democratic right to voice their opinions publicly; after all, that is precisely what democracy is meant to facilitate. That being said, I would certainly be more satisfied if they directed their energy toward finding positive solutions rather than just being obstructive.
"Being constructive"? Are you kidding me? As if they haven't already received enough amendments to satisfy them.

As we saw in the Saturday edition of the New York Times... our Prime Minister was busy sipping champagne at the semifinals. So, I have a question for all the moralists lurking on this thread: why hasn't the PM been arrested? Is he going to be banned from watching handball? Will they seize his passport? Are we going to have to report him to the local police station every single time the national team plays?

Come on, you moralists.

A little late to the party here, but check this out: http://rapidshare.com/files/19264558..._primjedbe.doc

Honestly, it might be a killer idea if we just slapped the download link for all these suggestions and feedback right in our signatures. That way, anyone who isn't constantly digging through these PDFs can actually find it without a headache.
I mean, I think we can all pretty much agree that we need to go above and beyond to keep everyone in the loop about this new fan legislation. We’ve gotta get the word out everywhere if we want to win people over to our side.