article_snippet: Speaking at the UEFA Congress in Vienna, Michel Platini said: 'Europe is seeing a rise in nationalism and extremism the like of which we have not witnessed for a very long time.
article_snippet: This insidious trend can also be observed in our stadiums, as football is a reflection of society.
article_snippet: Given its popularity, our sport is a barometer for the ills of our continent.
article_snippet: I therefore renew my call for greater awareness of this issue among the public authorities, so that we can avoid reliving the dark days of a not-so-distant past - a past where hooligans and all manner of fanatics called the shots in certain European stadiums. '
article_snippet: We need tougher stadium bans at European level and - I will say it again - the creation of a European sports police force.'
article_snippet: The autonomy of sport must be guaranteed.'