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      Full strength beer at England vs Serbia AXED and replaced by low alcohol brew amid threat of boozed-up ultras violence

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      GERMANY has axed full strength beer from all menus inside the stadium set to host the huge England against Serbia clash on Sunday.Fans have also been banned from drinking in their seats in a major shake up just days before the tournament begins amid fears of boozy bust-ups between England fans and Serbian ultras.Full strength beer at the England versus Serbia game has been banned and replaced with low alcohol boozeCredit: GettyThe ban comes amid fears over surging fan violence between boozy England fans and Serbian hooligansCredit: ReutersSerbian ultras have been known to cause chaos on the international stage by causing fires in the stands, brawls with rival fans and even pitch invasionsCredit: PAGerman cops have said that a 500-strong army of ‘violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans’ could descend on Sunday’s gameCredit: AlamyThe Three Lions opening match at the Veltins-Arena is already set to be a feisty affair after German cops labelled the match “very high risk”.Peter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen where the game will be played, also claimed “up to 400 or 500 ­violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans will travel to ­Germany” ahead of the game.Euro 2024 security operations have drastically been forced to tighten over the last few days in light of the fan violence revelations.With limiting the number of drunk supporters being a top priority. read more Euros 2024The Veltins-Arena will now only be allowed to serve beer that is less than one per cent in strength, say reports.Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt told Sky News: “Serbia has many hooligans. The English guys, with alcohol, they are sometimes very aggressive.”Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany and there are fears some may travel to Gelsenkirchen specifically to cause trouble.With one East European media platform already vowing daily updates from the Euros “where we will cover the matches and, above all, events outside the stadium”.Most read in Euro 2024A special focus will be at the Trabrennbahn racecourse where there is a 40,000 fan zone set to host Three Lions fans for the Serbia game.Both told The Guardian: “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge.”Shocking moment Red Star hooligans storm Man City bar and beat supporters with sticks ahead of Champions League clashOver 50,000 litres of lager was originally expected to be sold to fans going to the game on June 16. Officials wanted to ban booze altogether for the Serbia clash before German cops stepped in and agreed to sell lager.The UK Foreign Office has been warning fans over their alcohol consumption out in Germany after it was revealed their booze is up to one per cent stronger than in the UK.They told Brits: “Beer can be stronger than in the UK, so drink responsibly, know your limits and respect local laws. “You may not be let into the stadium if you drink too much.”Serbian ultra groups such as Headhunters and Gravediggers are among some of the most feared football fans in Europe.They have regularly caused riots on the streets and fierce fights up in the stands at international matches – even by pitch invading and attacking rival players.With England fans also being known for causing havoc at football matches through distasteful chants, alcohol-fuelled ventures and their undying arrogance over the team’s ability on the pitch.Rowdy Three Lions fans and ruthless Serbian ultras are flocking to Germany over the weekend to take part in what could be one of the most volatile games of the tournament.However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events before means they are well prepared for issues.A UK law enforcement source told the i: “If you were going to hold this tournament at this time anywhere apart from the UK, then you would choose Germany.”They have a lot of experience at this kind of thing and they are putting in place a comprehensive system.“But it’s a complex picture and unfortunately England fans are still regarded as fair game, or even desirable targets, by opposing hooligan groupings.”There is particular concern about the Serbia game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAround 22,000 federal police officers will be on duty every day of the tournament across Germany.With officers from across the continent being on high alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations.Are the Serbs the most notorious football fans?FROM pitch raids to mass brawls and death threats, Serbian hooligans are known wreak havoc and create carnage during football games.
      Die-hard groups of hooligans are intertwined with football in Serbia – and they are known for ruthlessly attacking players on the pitch and storming opposition stalls when the match turns against them.
      Hooligan firms in the Balkan state have chilling names such as The Gravediggers, Head Hunters, Zulu Warriors, and the Red Devils.
      And one of their most vicious leaders is known as “Ivan the Terrible”.
      In 2012, Ivan – who has been linked to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – forced a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy in Genoa to be abandoned after trying to attack rival fans and police.
      He rallied supporters to lob live flares and bangers onto the pitch as players warmed up and ordered them to break down barriers separating them from Italian fans while taunting police.
      Tracing their lineage back to the Balkan war of the 1990s, Serb football hooligans are renowned for their tough-as-nails attitude and love of violence.
      They are known for throwing live bangers at players who have switched sides and invading the pitches when games don’t go their way.
      In the past, the Ultras have killed rival fans – including a Toulouse supporter in 2009 who was beaten to death with iron bars and bicycle chains.

      England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere will also be a tightened police presence at the game as there is at many Serbian games due to their fansCredit: EPABeer around the stadium has also been placed under strict rules, claim reportsCredit: Alamy More

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      Joy for Euro2024 England fans after Germans build ‘beer super highway’ to keep booze flowing in stadium

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      THE beer will be flowing long and smooth for England supporters at their opening Euros tie — in pipes three miles long.The high-tech German stadium at Gelsenkirchen has a cellar which is linked to taps by an ingenious “beer superhighway” rather than kegs.High-tech German stadium at Gelsenkirchen has installed a ‘beer superhighway’ with 3-mile beer pipes ahead of England’s clash against SerbiaCredit: GettyEngland fans will watch Harry Kane and the lads’ first match on June 16Credit: GettyIt accelerates the supply of the 50,000-plus litres of lager expected to be sold during the Serbia clash on June 16. And many of the 62,000 fans at the Veltins-Arena will be extra-thirsty as there are only two pubs within a 30-minute walk.Gary Davies, 50, from Preston, will be there to cheer on skipper Harry Kane and the lads, and his mouth is already watering. He said: “The beer pipeline is German engineering at its finest — and their beer’s not bad either.READ MORE ON EUROS“There’ll be no better way to watch our boys than with a perfectly chilled pilsner in my hand.”The ground is named after ­German brewer Veltins but has had to change its name for the Euros to the AufSchalke to avoid upsetting the tournament’s beer sponsor Bitburger.Officials wanted to ban booze for the Serbia clash but police said: “It has now been agreed beer will be offered in the stadium.”England played there in the 2006 World Cup — getting knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by Portugal after Wayne Rooney got sent off.Most read in Euro 2024How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024 More

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      ‘Looks familiar…’ – KSI reveals big issue with Lionel Messi’s new hydration drink as fans call for ‘easiest lawsuit’

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      KSI fans reckon Lionel Messi could be on the receiving end of a lawsuit after discovering his hydration drink.The global superstar announced the imminent release of his Mas+ hydration drink earlier this week.Lionel Messi has launched his own brand of hydration drinkCredit: AFPThe footie superstar’s drink – Mas+ – will be available around the world later this monthCredit: MAS+The packaging bears a striking resemblance to that used by PrimePrime co-founder KSI couldn’t help but notice the similarityFilled with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, Mas+ is engineered to provide customers with positive hydration.Photos of the drink’s packaging, as with everything Messi is associated with, went viral.And people couldn’t help but notice the brightly coloured bottles bear a striking resemblance to those used by the hit sports drink Prime.It didn’t take long for the similarity to come to the attention of Prime co-founder KSI, who responded with a blunt comment.READ MOREE IN FOOTBALLThe YouTuber-turned-boxer wrote on X: “Looks familiar…”KSI’s followers were quick to respond, with one saying: “Very much familiar hmmm.”Another said: “Easiest lawsuit.”And another said: “Word for word. Bar for bar lmfaoooo.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrime drinks sold like hot cakes upon their initial releaseCredit: GettyOne remarked: “Talk about recycling.”Another chimed in: “Messi stealing from people. Nothing new there.”Pique reveals he and Lionel Messi were lined up for double transfer to Premier League giants before Man Utd swoopedDespite the remarkable resemblance to Prime, Mas+ will be available around the world from June 14.Ahead of its launch, Messi said: “Hydration is essential to overall wellbeing.”I believe everyone deserves a drink with amazing ingredients and taste,” Messi said in a press release Tuesday.“Mas+ is a drink I’m proud to share with family and friends. Because everyone deserves to feel like a champion in every part of their life.Messi and his team had close to 450 different names to choose from for the eagerly-anticipated product.But after much deliberation, they settled on Mas – which means more in Spanish – and decided to add a plus sign for an extra boost of inspiration.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “This name captures what my life and career have always been about: Más means more.”I believe we can always give a bit more, and I’ve achieved more than I thought was possible by thinking positively.” More

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      Joy for fans as German organisers scrap plans for booze ban at England’s Euro 2024 opener

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      FANS can down pints at England’s Euro 2024 opener after German organisers scrapped plans for a booze ban.And the 4.8 per cent Bitburger lager sold at games and fan zones will be cheaper at £4 than similar pints back home.German organisers have binned a planned booze ban for the EurosCredit: ReutersHarry Kane in a promotional video for club Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe news will cheer thousands of Three Lions supporters packing their bags for the tournament which kicks off in two weeks.It comes after 2022’s Qatar World Cup where authorities pulled the plug on £14-a-pint beer sales with a day to go.Fan Royston Wilson, 56, from Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, said: “This will really get the party started. Harry Kane and the lads have a great chance to win and we’ll be able to cheer them on with a pint of decent German beer — fantastic!”England fans will also be used to shelling out up to £7-a-pint in pubs and restaurants thanks to inflation but will pay around £4 at the Euros.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Fans are allowed to drink in their seats at most German league games but rules will be tightened in line with English matches at the Euros.Just two beers at a time can be bought at stadium bars and will need to be consumed before supporters take their seats to watch the action.Restrictions on alcohol sales in glasses and bottles will be in place in parts of Gelsenkirchen city centre around match days as police throw a ring of steel around sensitive sites.Calls for a ban followed fears of clashes with pro-Putin “ultras” when England start their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.Most read in FootballChief Police Director Peter Both confirmed no alcohol bans had been put in place at Euros stadia and none were planned.He said: “In contrast to the league match, we have agreed that alcoholic drinks purchased in the stadium may not be taken into the stadium.Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand pick their England starting 11 for opening game of Euros“This means that they cannot, as is usually the case, buy two carriers of beer and then take them to their seats.“They are only allowed to consume alcoholic drinks at the stands.” More

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      Roy Keane admits he was ‘absolutely disgraceful’ with his drinking habits during Man Utd career

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      ROY KEANE has confessed to an “absolutely disgraceful” drinking habit during his golden years at Manchester United.The legendary hardman says he’d regularly neck pints four days in a row if there was no midweek match.Roy Keane believes people will be surprised to hear of his habitCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary Neville explained how habits improved in the mid-1990sCredit: YouTube / The OverlapKeane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in United’s famous 1998-99 Treble season.But he believes the football world might be shocked to hear of some of his behaviour while at Old Trafford from 1993-2005.The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder, 52, told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “People used to say I was a good pro..  Some of my stuff was absolutely disgraceful.”Keane went on to detail his drinking routine if Alex Ferguson’s men knew they were out of action during the week.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe said: “Definitely on Saturday. Definitely on Sunday.”Many times I’d go Saturday after the game, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Pints or whatever it was I was drinking at the time.”But he stressed: “I’d draw the line on Wednesday, to be fair.”Then-United team-mate Gary Neville reckons many top-flight players were habitual drinkers in that era.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told Keane during the podcast chat with Ian Wright and Jill Scott: “The reason you got away with it was because a lot of the players in the other teams were doing the same.”As long as they could all drink 10 pints they were all at the same fitness level.”Roy Keane’s Biggest TV Rants Keane suggested his relative youth, plus playing in such a good team, helped him thrive despite drinking.But when Neville outlined his own all-the-same theory, Keano nodded and said: “Probably.”Ex-England defender Nev also explained how football’s off-the-pitch standards were promptly transformed. He said: “I always look at that period pre 1995-96 as all players were doing the same thing.”1996-2000 professionalised a lot in that period – nutritionists came in etc.”Keane agreed but joked: “I carried on for a while – they’re not changing me!”Meanwhile, Neville revealed he once had a fit and fainted while covering an England game at Euro 2020.Keane’s career faded dramatically after he left Old Trafford following a fall-out with Fergie.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after seven months at Celtic – the club he supported as a kid – the former Nottingham Forest hero quit playing on medical advice in June 2006.Two-year spells as manager at Sunderland and Ipswich followed before he became a Sky Sports pundit known for his frank opinions. More

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      I’m homeless, back at AA & staying in my agent’s spare room, says England legend Paul Gascoigne as he opens up on battle

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      TROUBLED footie legend Paul Gascoigne is homeless and back at Alcoholics Anonymous, he has revealed.The 56-year-old, who for decades has battled alcohol addiction and mental health problems, says he’s bunking in a spare rom at his agent’s house.Paul Gascoigne told the High Performance Podcast he is homeless and back at Alcoholics AnonymousCredit: MEN MediaGazza was considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation and was capped 57 times for EnglandCredit: GettyDesperate to get sober, Gazza admits he’s now a “sad drunk” who boozes “indoors” instead of going out.He told Jake Humprey’s High Performance Podcast: “People know Paul Gascoigne but Gazza, no one knows. Even me sometimes.”When I’m really down, that’s when I pick up a drink to cheer myself up.”Considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation, the Gateshead-born midfielder was capped 57 times for England.Read More on Paul GascoigneHis most iconic moment came at Italia ’90 when he cried after being given a yellow minutes before England’s epic World Cup semi-final defeat on penalties to West Germany.But it was following the ex-Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers legend’s retirement in 2004 that his life spiralled out of control.He explained: “The drinking side of it was more when I finished playing. I don’t think I let any managers down, or the players or the fans you know.”Gazza’s battle with alcohol has left him jailed or sectioned on numerous occasions over the years.Most read in FootballThese have included drink-driving offences and being drunk and disorderly.He went to rehab for a seventh time for alcohol addiction in 2014, attending a £6,000-a-month clinic in Southampton.Roy Keane told Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza, stop it’ after England legend taunted Man Utd icon over his ‘wife’At his worst he splashed out £20,000 to have anti-boozing pellets put in his stomach to try and stop drinking.In a 2021 interview he admitted he will “always be an alcoholic”.Gazza’s demons have seen him seek on and off help from Alcoholics Anonymous, which he says he has recently started revisiting.The dad-of-three, who admitted violence towards first wife Sheryl, now lives at agent Katie Davies’s house in Poole, Dorset.He explained: “I called Katie up in November a few years ago crying my eyes out.”What I put myself through and other people, jail and rehab – taking cocaine off toilet seats.”Gascoigne says he now sinks six coffees by 10am and barely watches football as he misses it too much.But it hasn’t all been plain sailing – as cruel neighbours allegedly put gin bottles on Katie’s doorstep to try and tempt Gazza.He added: “I think the time I’ll give in is when I’m in a wooden box.”Apart from that, I’ll keep on fighting on.”It was following the ex-Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers legend’s retirement in 2004 that his life spiralled out of control. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals he boozed in abandoned house and got caught with cider and cigarettes by manager at 14

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      WAYNE ROONEY has revealed the lengths he would go to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes as a teenager.And despite getting caught by academy boss Colin Harvey the former striker went on to become an icon at his boyhood club Everton.
      Wayne Rooney opened up about his drinking and smoking tactics when he was a teenager
      Rooney revealed at 14 he was caught with cider and cigarettes by his Everton academy bossCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      When he was just 16 Rooney made his senior debut at Everton in the 2002-03 season.
      But by then he was chugging cider and lighting up cigarettes and was busted two years prior by his youth coach while crossing the road.
      After he was caught the 38-year-old said he would look for low key spots to drink including breaking into abandoned houses to do so.
      Speaking to fellow Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher on the Stick to Football podcast brought to you by Sky Bet, he said: “You Jamie Carragher know where I grew up.
      READ MORE ON ROONEY
      “It wasn’t an easy place to live but, I absolutely loved growing up there, it taught me so many different things.
      “I remember when I was 14, I was crossing the road, I think it was a Thursday or something like that, and I was playing for the U19’s on the Saturday for Everton, Colin Harvey was the manager.
      “So, I’m crossing the road, I’ve got a bag of cider, a packet of cigarettes, and a car stopped to let me cross, and it was Colin Harvey.
      “We used to go to an abandoned, empty house and we’d knock the windows through, and we’d sit in there and drink.”
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      Despite Rooney’s mischief during his teenage years he went on to have a glittering career at Manchester United.
      Raking in 12 major titles and becoming the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
      Wayne Rooney reveals his major role in wife’s Wagatha Christie trial and ‘applied to study law’ at university after case
      He then repeated the same record for England before it was broken 11 years later by Harry Kane.
      Rooney did admit the alcohol hindered his playing career and if he had stopped he may have been able to take his career to the next level.
      He continued: “When you look back, I think – and I spoke about it when I did the documentary – I had different issues, ended up drinking way too much and obviously that took its toll.
      “You can always look back and think – ‘If you didn’t do that, would you have played at an even higher level, achieved more, played for longer’ – all these questions, again, it’s hindsight.” More

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      ‘Pointless advice’ is slammed as football fans going to Euro 2024 told to take it easy because German beer is STRONGER

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      NANNYING civil servants have warned footie fans heading to Euro24 to go easy on the beer – because the German stuff is stronger.The “killjoy” officials were last night slammed for the “pointless advice” telling Brits to watch how much they drink.
      England skipper Harry Kane attends the 188th edition of the traditional OktoberfestCredit: Getty
      The average strength of beers and lagers in the UK is 4.4%, while in Germany the figure is 4.7%Credit: Getty
      Up to 800,000 British fans are expected to head to games in Germany for the Euros, but the Foreign Office has warned them about strong beer they may encounter thereCredit: NNP
      Foreign Office diplomats even said supporters risked being banned from matches for turning up at the stadium too sloshed.
      England, Scotland and maybe Wales if they qualify will play in the European tournament that kicks off this summer.
      Up to half a million British fans are expected to head to games in Germany, which could even rise to 800,000. 
      But they have been warned by the Foreign Office: “Beer can be stronger than in the UK, so drink responsibly, know your limits and respect local laws. You may not be let into the stadium if you drink too much.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      The average percentage of alcohol in UK beer is around 4.4 per cent according to Drinkaware.
      Whereas in Germany that figure rises to between 4.7 and 5.4 per cent.
      Critics went studs tonight on the official government guidance for the throngs of travelling supporters. 
      Tory MP Kevin Foster told The Sun: “At a time when there are so many serious issues for the FCDO to be tackling in terms of global peace, passing comment on German Beer should be the least of their worries.
      Most read in Football
      “Fans travelling to Germany should respect our hosts and their laws, as we expect those visiting the UK to do, but they don’t need nanny state advice to do so.”
      Benjamin Elks of the TaxPayers’ Alliance piled in: “Brits enjoying a beer in Berlin need no lectures from kill-joy civil servants.
      “Taxpayers have had enough of pointless advice from pen pushers who think they know best.
      “Ministers should show a red card to these nannying diplomats”
      England captain Harry Kane was recently pictured holding a beer and wearing lederhosen following his move to Bayern Munich last year – albeit though he is teetotal.
      Munich is widely considered the beer capital of the world for the amount of breweries.
      England fans do not make a secret of enjoying the odd beer, with 17million pints thought to have been sunk across the UK during the 2022 World Cup. 
      Gareth Soutgahte’s England kick off their campaign on June 16 in a clash against Serbia, before then facing Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
      Wales host Finland in the semi-finals of the qualification playoffs on March 21 in Cardiff. 
      An England football fan with a pint of beerCredit: EPA More