Rotterdam's mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb wants to make the planning of riots by hooligans a criminal offence in its own right. He argues that the new football bill being considered by the Upper House of parliament at the moment is inadequate and that something similar to anti-terrorism legislation is needed.

"I want legal instruments so I can grab these people in time." he told the NRC Handelsblad. He regards the hooligans as criminal cells. "Second generation hooligans use internet forums and social networking sites to organise violence. But if the police find them plotting, at present, there is nothing they can do."
 

The mayor's remarks follow serious violence at the Sunset Grooves beach party in Hook of Holland over a week ago, which was disrupted by troublemakers. A 19-year-old was shot dead and several other people were wounded.
 

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry says the bill already meets the mayor's requirements. "It's precisely what he's asking for."

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