BERLIN, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Violence in connection with professional soccer matches in Germany would cost around 44 million euros (55.1 million U.S. dollars) every year, according to an analysis published by the ifo Institute on Wednesday.
During days when first- to third-division soccer matches were played in Germany, the number of violent crimes in the respective cities increased by around one-fifth, according to an analysis of police crime statistics.
"It's not events during the matches or the match results that are the trigger, but rather a desire to be recognized as a member of a fan group," said Helmut Rainer, Director of the ifo Center for Labor and Demographic Economics.
For the 4.5-year period under consideration, the number of minor violent crimes in connection with soccer matches was estimated at 38,268, resulting in costs for police forces, prosecution offices and courts, as well as through loss of earnings and through medical treatment.
The ifo Institute analyzed data sets from German municipalities. In addition to typical soccer data, such as results and highlights during the match, betting odds, weather data, seasonal effects and population indicators were included into the analysis. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollars) ■
