ENGLAND fans could face a beer ban for their opening match at Euro 2024.
Gelsenkirchen’s chief of police has warned troublemakers “we will be prepared” ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Serbia in the city.
England begin their campaign at Schalke’s Veltins Arena on June 16 and could also return for the round of 16 if they win their group.
However, top cop Peter Both is aiming to ban supporters from drinking inside the stadium and in public areas in the city.
He has also vowed to send home any England fans causing trouble, threatening to use water cannons on them if necessary.
Both’s plan to ban booze is a blow to England fans planning to travel to England’s tournament opener as well as the Euros’ official beer Bitburger.
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The German brewery have paid millions to sell drinks at stadiums and official fan zones next summer.
Speaking to the Mirror, Both explained: “We’re discussing the possibility of banning alcohol in the stadium and I make no secret of it.
“Through the spectacles of someone responsible for security and in charge of police deployment on that day, I would find it good.
“We are also currently checking at the moment to what extent we can apply banning alcohol in public places.
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“In principle you’re free to drink alcohol on the street in Germany, but in big areas where fans gather in overfilled spaces we want to forbid it.”
He also had a warning to Three Lions fans heading to Germany, adding: “It’s important all police in Germany adopt a mindset of seeing the fans as peaceful rather than a threat, but we will react if something happens – and we’re prepared for that.
“You can’t exclude the fact that some will be coming with the intention of causing riots. My message to England fans is we will be prepared.
“If anyone does try to cause serious trouble we will move quickly and they will be sent home.”
After facing Serbia, England are set to take on Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20 before playing Slovenia in Cologne on June 25.
Gareth Southgate’s side will reportedly be based at the five-star Golfresort Weimarer Land throughout the tournament.
It is understood the Three Lions beat Austria to the booking of the remote resort located near the town of Blankenhain.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
