French government announces new unit to fight soccer hooliganism

Unit to fight soccer hooliganism in France

PARIS — France’s Interior Ministry has announced the creation of a unit that will target soccer hooligans.

A day after the death of Toulouse supporter Brice Taton, the ministry announced Wednesday that the new unit will be responsible for surveillance of potential troublemakers. Taton died in Belgrade after being beaten by Serbian hooligans before a Europa League match.

The ministry says in a statement the unit’s members will share information with security officers in the field to “arrest and punish” hooligans.

The ministry didn’t say how many people would be appointed to the new task force.