12 Jan 2009Park football 'could be banned' under new guidance

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Football matches in parks across the UK could be banned by local councils under new guidance from the government, it has been reported today (January 12th).

Communities secretary Hazel Blears has suggested that league organisers should carry out extensive risk assessments before allowing matches to progress.

In a 53-page document issued by the department for communities and local government, councils are warned about the possibility of tension or history between rival fans and players.

One section reads: "If not planned properly, football can be divisive and trigger conflict. Passions can get high and physical contact can easily lead to confrontations."

However, the move has been dismissed by the Tories, who have instead focused on football's ability to play a positive role in local communities.

Shadow communities secretary Eric Pickles retorted: "This will give a green light to jobsworths to ban competitive sport.

"Football has potential to promote community spirit and keep young people out of trouble."

A communities department spokesman refuted the suggestion that banning matches was on the agenda, claiming that the guidance relates to "encouraging people from different backgrounds to interact".

Ms Blears, who is the MP for Salford, assumed her current cabinet position on June 27th, 2007.

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