Security has been tightened in preparation for the highly anticipated match between England and Serbia at this year’s Euros. The authorities have deemed the match ‘high-risk’ and are implementing heightened security measures in Gelsenkirchen. To prevent any potential trouble, lower alcohol beer will be served in the stadium and fans will not be allowed to drink in the stands. Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt stated that this measure is necessary due to the history of hooliganism on both sides. Fans will also be subject to random checks for weapons and alcohol at the gates. With over 300,000 British fans expected to travel to the venue, the police are taking these precautions seriously. Any hooligans who break German public order laws could be taken to ATMs to pay fines on the spot. Chief Superintendent Colette Rose from UK Football Policing reported that 2,000 individuals are banned from traveling to tournaments and entering football stadiums.
In 2016, clashes broke out between fans during the Euros. However, according to Dr. Geoff Pearson, a senior lecturer in criminal law at the University of Manchester, large-scale disorder or violence is rare at World Cups or European championships compared to club competitions. He explained that ultra groups attached to clubs typically do not travel with national teams and are not interested in causing trouble at these events. This has led to a safer environment for football fans over the years. Dr. Pearson gained first-hand insight into the behavior of football hooligans by going undercover amongst fans of Blackpool FC during the 1990s.
Here is England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024:
– Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
– Jordan Pickford (Everton)
– Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
– James Trafford (Burnley)
– Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
– Lewis Dunk (Brighton)
– Joe Gomez (Liverpool)
– Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
– Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
– Harry Maguire (Man Utd)
– Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
– Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
– John Stones (Man City)
– Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
– Kyle Walker (Man City)
– Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
– Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
– Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
– Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd)
– Declan Rice (Arsenal)
– Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
– Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
– Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
– Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
– Phil Foden (Man City)
– Jack Grealish (Man City)
– Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
– Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
– James Maddison (Tottenham)
– Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
– Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
– Ivan Toney (Brentford)
– Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
ATTACKS LOOM OVER EURO 2020 AS ENGLAND FACES SERBIA
As England gears up for their first match in this year’s Euros, concerns over potential attacks have cast a shadow over the tournament. Memories of past incidents, such as the European championship in Germany in 1988 and the Russian hooligan attacks on England fans in Marseilles in 2016, serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk within the world of football.
Experts warn that the possibility of further attacks cannot be ruled out. However, two key factors would need to align for such incidents to occur. Firstly, a group of violent ultras would have to be willing to travel with their national team to the tournament. Secondly, they would need to successfully evade the vigilant authorities. Fortunately, the German football police, renowned for their expertise in organizing high-risk tournaments, are prepared to face any potential threats.
Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, assures the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safety of the event. While it is impossible to provide a 100% guarantee, Faeser emphasizes that they are well-prepared and remain extremely vigilant.
As the anticipation builds, fans across the UK are expected to gather in pubs to watch the highly anticipated match against Serbia. Despite the potential risks, football enthusiasts are eager to support their national team and revel in the excitement of the Euros.
Stay tuned for more updates on this gripping tournament.
