In the wake of violence at sporting events: how safe will the Russia 2018 World Cup be?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – June 22, 2014: Police presence was increased prior to a match in Brazil in 2014. Photo by: Steven Limentani

SANTA MONICA – As the World Cup Qualifiers are drawing closer to an end, and the 2018 World Cup grows closer and closer, the question of safety and security comes into play.

Sporting events used to be a fun occasion to sit back, grab a beer, and cheer on your favorite team. However, as violent attacks continue to happen at sporting events throughout the world, the threat to ones safety at games becomes a legitimate concern. Just today, a suicide bomber blew himself up close to the entrance of a cricket stadium in Afghanistan. Three people, two police and one civilian, have already been reported dead and another five are injured.

Soccer has experienced similar violence. Just this April, a player on Borussia Dortmund was injured and taken to the hospital when three explosions went off near their team bus. Also, last year at the Euro cup, an estimated 66 people were wounded after rioting broke out the night before England played Wales.

In addition to all the violence at sporting games, Russia itself is experience threats of violence. Earlier today a shopping mall and some surrounding areas were evacuated after authorities received anonymous phone calls suggesting that the area had been mined, RIA new agency reported. According to Reuters, the places in question were three of Moscow’s main train stations, the GUM department store close to Red square, and over 20 other buildings.

In the wake of all this violence, the Tatarstan’s minister for sport, Vladimir Leonov, has assured everyone that there is not much to stress about going into the 2018 World Cup. According to fourfourtwo.com, Leonov, who is in charge of sporting events in Kazan and the Tatarstan region, feels that Russia’s police presence and requiring FIFA fan ID cards will help keep the event safe and leave little to worry about.