The Belgian Law and Football Supporters

The supporters of bEUnion have a heart for the game, which also means that we make an effort to ensure that everyone can enjoy the matches in a safe environment with their friends and family.

Members who violate rules do not only harm themselves, but also our club, the atmosphere during the match and the sport as a whole. We, as bEUnion, expect our members to follow the rules and to act respectfully towards others.

Due to the international character of our club, we have translated the rules of the Belgian Football Law in order to avoid any confusion about what is and is not allowed during matches.

You can find this information in Dutch and French at the official federal website https://www.besafe.be/nl/voetbalsupporter/inbreuken-op-de-voetbalwet-door-supporters#toc-welke-sancties-kan-de-voetbalcel-mij-opleggen-

Breaches of football law by supporters

The Football Law defines very clearly which behavior will not be tolerated in the context of football matches and can be reported by the police.

Based on the police report, the Football Cell initiates the administrative procedure. The aim of this procedure is to check whether there is sufficient evidence to impose a sanction on the person in question.

What behaviour will not be tolerated at football matches?

Throwing or shooting one or more objects

For example:

Throwing a drinks cup or a seat at the field of play.
Throwing a pyrotechnic object.

Entering, attempting to enter or being in a stadium or perimeter unlawfully

For example:

Violating a stadium ban imposed by the Football Cell or a court.
Violating a security measure imposed by the police for 14 days and/or confirmed by the Football Cell for 3 months.
Violating a civil exclusion order imposed by a football club for a breach of the Rules of Internal Order.
Violating a perimeter ban.

Failure to comply with directives or orders from a mandated security officer, a steward, police or emergency services.

For example:

Steward asking a person to stop provoking opposing supporters.
A person who climbs the fence again after a steward and a police official have repeatedly asked the person to stop climbing the fence.
A person refusing to comply with a police request to show their identity card.

Entering or attempting to enter an area without a valid ticket or an area not open to the public

For example:

Entering the playing field and/or connecting areas that are separated from the public.
Climbing a fence.
Entering a team's changing room.

Alone or in a group inciting to fight, cause injury, hatred or anger

For example:

Provoking opposing supporters by raising a middle finger or making obscene gestures.
Being part of a group of supporters taking steps to fight with another group of supporters of the opposing team.
Taking part in racist and discriminatory chants
Insulting another supporter.
Giving another supporter a hard push.

Bringing in, attempting to bring in, possessing or using pyrotechnic items.

For example:

Lighting Bengal fire.
Possessing a strobe.
Merely holding a smoke torch.

Specific times when this behavior may be sanctioned

Are there specific times when these behaviors can be sanctioned?

Yes. For offences committed inside the stadium, the Football Law applies from the moment the stadium is accessible to spectators, i.e. from the opening to the closing of the entrance gates.

Inciting to fight or inciting hate and anger, alone or in groups on Belgian territory can be sanctioned if committed during the period from 48 hours before the start of the football match to 48 hours after the end of the football match.

All other acts committed in the perimeter can be sanctioned if committed during the period from 5 hours before the start of the football match to 5 hours after the end of the football match. This also applies to the use of pyrotechnic objects on Belgian territory in the context of a football match.