The British government on Friday warned travelling England fans that any misbehaviour at the World Cup could effect the country’s bid to host the 2018 tournament, and advised potential troublemakers that they would face the “full force of local policing laws”.
British police chiefs said they were confident the improvement in the behaviour of English fans over the last decade and the effect of banning orders on more than 3 000 supporters would minimise the potential for disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt will lead a team of 12 British police officers who will advise their South African counterparts, in a repeat of their successful operation four years ago in Germany.
Holt said the 3 143 fans who were expected to surrender their passports this week, and a further 9 000 barred from international tournaments, would be prevented from travelling by the further precaution of a large-scale operation at UK and European air and seaports.
He said part of his job had been to educate the South African police force so that England fans were judged on their recent good behaviour at qualifying matches and international tournaments, and not their past reputation.
The new minister for crime prevention, James Brokenshire, said he wanted fans “to have a great time” but also to “be sensible and behave themselves”.
“It is now 10 years since the last major hooligan incident abroad, but the eyes of the world will still be upon England supporters. We want them to be ambassadors for their country,” he said. “With the London Olympics just two years away and an England World Cup bid on the table, I want the fans to do their country proud.”
More threat at home
England fans were praised for their conduct at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and the 2004 European Championships in Portugal, despite minor outbreaks of disorder at both, and there is now arguably more threat of disorder at home, with the rising popularity of watching matches on big screens amid large crowds. Holt said police forces across the UK would put on additional patrols and increase security at such venues.
“There are plans in place to ensure we don’t have disorder on the streets of the UK,” said Holt, but he acknowledged that the prospect of a hot summer, with England’s first two matches scheduled for weekend evenings, increased the risk. Police forces have been told to factor into their plans statistics that show incidents of domestic violence increase during the World Cup.
In South Africa, six uniformed British police will be responsible for providing “context”, advising their local colleagues about the line between boisterous behaviour and potential disorder. Holt attempted to quell fears that South African police may be overly aggressive in their approach, but warned that they employed different tactics and equipment, including water cannons.
The number of England fans travelling — estimated at up to 25 000 — will be well down on that at Germany, but police will face different challenges. Holt warned fans not to stray “off the beaten track”, saying that they should be safe if they stayed within the well-policed tourist areas.
“The reality is that the overwhelming majority of England fans heading to South Africa are there to support the national team and the game of football,” he said. “Those who decide to engage in any trouble must realise that as guests in South Africa they will feel the full force of local policing laws.”
He said there were currently no “specific, credible” terrorist threats to any matches or venues, but added: “Of course, as with any huge, iconic event there is a general threat.” – guardian.co.uk