Managing Supporter Demonstrations at Sporting Charleroi: Balancing Safety, Security and Service

During the ESSMA Summit at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Olivier Simons, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Charleroi, delivered one of the most candid and operationally relevant presentations. His presentation shed light on the complex reality Belgian clubs currently face: rising ultra-related excesses, an imbalance between club responsibility and club powers, and the urgent need for structural solutions across the ecosystem.

27 Nov 2025

Grounded in three years of escalating incidents, Simons provided a rare inside look at how a traditionally loyal and passionate supporter base can — through a highly coordinated minority — create severe operational, financial and reputational impact. His intervention combined…

Managing Supporter Demonstrations at Sporting Charleroi: Balancing Safety, Security and Service

This publication is for ESSMA members