One of the toughest problems to eliminate in South American stadiums is violence. Its roots lie in how society tolerates a certain sector expressing their “passion” for football in an aggressive way. Factors such as poverty, lack of education, social marginalization, and persistent class-based systems across much of Latin America feed into this phenomenon.

Adding to this today is the influence of social media and mass media, which amplify violent incidents and make them go viral. These images generate more attention, more clicks, and in many cases encourage others to join in for the spectacle.

From an anthropological perspective, football violence can also be understood as part of the identity and territoriality of fan groups. These practices are woven into their customs and internal dynamics, functioning as a mechanism for group defense. The “barra” sees itself as a collective with its own symbols and meanings, whose central aim is to protect its identity and its territory.

The big question remains: how can violence be eradicated from stadiums?

Lessons from England

Between the 1960s and 1980s, hooliganism in England reached extreme levels. It wasn’t until the tragedies of Heysel (1985) and Hillsborough (1989), which left dozens dead and injured, that the British government took decisive action.

The keys to their success were clear:

• Harsh sanctions: immediate arrests, heavy fines, and stadium bans.
• Stadium modernization: numbered seating, better access, surveillance cameras, and control systems.
• Specialized police: units dedicated solely to monitoring and dismantling violent groups, with international cooperation.
• Club responsibility: required to implement membership IDs, stricter checks, and closer collaboration with authorities.
• Cultural and social shift: with the launch of the Premier League in 1992, English football transformed into a family spectacle. Ticket prices rose, the fan profile changed, and many of the most problematic sectors were pushed out of the stands.

The challenge in South America

Replicating this model in Latin America is not simple, given inequality, precarious infrastructure, and lack of long-term planning. Still, it stands as a clear reference: if we want to enjoy football without the shadow of suspended matches due to violence—or due to the negligence of leaders and authorities—there are no shortcuts.

The only way forward is investment, prevention, firmness, and shared responsibility. Clubs, directors, media, social networks, and governments must stop passing the ball and start playing on the same team. Because football was born to be a celebration, not a battlefield.