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      Misbehaving England fans face being marched by police to ATMs for on-the-spot fines at Euro 2024

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      RACIST online trolls who target England’s Euro 2024 squad have been warned they will be unmasked within hours by social media companies.And fans who misbehave in Germany face being frogmarched by cops to the ATM to hand over on the spot fines.Police have issued a number of warnings to England fans ahead of Euro 2024Credit: PASenior police officers visited Gareth Southgate’s squad at St George’s Park before the March double header with Brazil and Belgium to reinforce the message that they would be fully supported by the authorities.Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were all subjected to foul racist abuse after the shoot-out defeat by Italy in 2021.Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the country’s leading football cop, said: “We were conscious after the Euros in 2021, where there was racist abuse of some of England’s black players, and were able to prosecute some people.“We were very keen to speak to the squad and make sure they were aware we were committed to dealing with this and treat it really seriously and also to advise them how to protect themselves.READ MORE ON EUROS“One problem in the past was that there was a six month statute of limitations on these sort of social media posts and when we asked the companies for data we wouldn’t get a response until after that limit had passed.“But we have worked very hard and now we are seeing those replies turned around in a matter of days.“So if people think they can hide behind their keyboards and commit hate crimes online, we will pursue them and we will prosecute.”Police and the Foreign Office expect 300,000-plus England fans – the vast majority without tickets – will travel to Germany for what is the first “accessible” tournament since Euro 2016.Most read in FootballMore than 2,000 banning orders – which see hooligans ordered to hand in their passports for the duration of the tournament – remain in place.But Chf Con Roberts, who made it clear he does not expect widespread problems – pointing to the spectacular improvement of the behaviour of England fans over the last decade – made it clear that German police will crack down on antisocial behaviour in the streets, stadiums and fan zone.Boost to England fans ahead of Euro 2024 as Germany relaxes bonkers law that could have seen supporters JAILEDThis summer could see a large number of England fans attending their first tournament, although there will also be the “largest deployment” of British cops alongside the hosts on record.Referring to the 2005 hooligan movie, Chf Con Roberts added: “In terms of behaviour, we’re talking more ‘The Inbetweeners’ than ‘Green Street’.“The hope is that our fans will be good guests in Germany, support the team and enjoy the country, as they have done at the recent tournaments overseas.“We will have police spotters at every game and with the fans, so if they do look as if they are stepping out of line they will try to calm things down.“Germany has a similar football and social culture – their police are used to people drinking, singing and chanting and the people are reasonably tolerant.“But there are certain things you should simply not do, obvious things, even if you have drunk too much. And if you are fined by the police, that is on the spot.If you don’t have the money in your pocket, you can be marched to the nearest cash point. The fines are unlimited.” More

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      Boost to England fans ahead of Euro 2024 as Germany relaxes bonkers law that could have seen supporters JAILED

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      ENGLAND supporters in bars and fanzones can belt out their Three Lions anthem at the opening Euro 2024 match — after Germany eased uber-strict Sunday noise laws.Tough regulations, ultimately enforceable with jail, would ordinarily ban crowds from shouting and chanting.Germany eased uber-strict Sunday noise laws meaning England supporters can belt out their Three Lions anthem at the opening matchCredit: GettyPaul Moss, who owns the New Crown pub in Iserlohn, said: ‘The tournament would have been impossible without this change’Credit: Dan CharityBut officials have now signed off on a one-month exemption for June. The move also allows ground staff to use lawnmowers to trim the pitch at FC Schalke’s ground ahead of England’s opener against Serbia.Expat Paul Moss, 52, who owns the New Crown pub in Iserlohn, said: “The tournament would have been impossible without this change.“We want a proper carnival atmosphere and now all England fans need to do is get out here and have a great time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder the quiet time rules, known as Ruhezeit, any domestic league games on Sunday evenings finish well before 10pm and are generally not televised.Yet about half of the Euros’ 51 games kick off at 9pm. So bars and fan zones would not be able to show them outdoors without the risk of fines, which, if unpaid, could lead to prison sentences.In North Rhine-Westphalia, where England play in Cologne and Gelsenkirchen, officials will now permit events to run until 1am on nine nights and midnight on 13 others.Most read in FootballBut any speakers must be placed as far from residents as possible and the volume kept low.Pub noise will be tolerated until midnight. But TVs must be switched off at the final whistle.Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venue More

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      Germany ban England fans from taking fruit to games – but will charge £4 for single sausage at Euros 2024

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      ANY apple-loving England fans could be shocked to the core at Euro 2024 — the German hosts are banning fruit to boost sales of their sausages.Supporters trying to take any food into stadiums — including healthy half-time snacks — could be turned away or even barred from the entire tournament.England fans are banned from bringing fruit to games during the EurosCredit: RexBut the nation renowned for their love of Bratwurst and Frankfurters will be selling sausages for up to £3.77 each.England kick off their campaign against Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen on June 16 followed by games against Denmark in Frankfurt and Slovenia in Cologne.At the final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on July 14, single sausages will cost £4.77.Security teams will be searching bags outside all ten tournament venues, while stewards and police will patrol inside.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Uefa’s ban covers “liquids — drinks, e-cigarette refills, etc — and food of any kind, including fruit, such as apples, bananas, oranges, etc.”Punishments will include “expulsion from the stadium with a report to the police or a stadium ban for the whole or part of Euro 2024”.Germans have also banned smoking and vapes from the grounds.Cannabis joints will also be forbidden in stadiums despite new German laws making it legal to puff in public.Most read in FootballFlares, fireworks and whistles are also on the banned list – as well as megaphones and vuvuzela horns.Nazi flags, plus material supporting sides in the conflict in Gaza will also be outlawed.Germany becomes the latest nation to legalise cannabis More

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      England set for Euro 2024 boost with Southgate expected to have rule change request granted despite rivals’ objections

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      GARETH Southgate is set to be able to pick a 26-man squad for Euro 2024.But Uefa chiefs remain split on changing tournament rules at virtually the last minute.Gareth Southgate has been handed a major boost ahead of the EurosCredit: GettyAnd now a final decision will be made by the ruling executive committee in the next few days.Euro chiefs had planned on reverting to 23 man parties for the tournament which kicks off in Munich in June.But pressure from a number of national team coaches saw the matter put back on the agenda earlier this month.And now Uefa’s national competitions committee has “narrowly” backed the proposal to revert to the extended squads that were allowed at both the delayed Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe extended squads were introduced as a response to the Covid pandemic, with national coaches fearful that an outbreak of the virus could leave them short of numbers for matches.Uefa had decided to return the traditional smaller squads for this summer’s event.But a number of national coaches had urged a rethink, citing the sheer number of injuries sustained by players this season.Opposition to the move has been by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and France’s Didier Deschamps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite that, Uefa chiefs agreed a u-turn on the initial ruling although the lack of unanimity means it is not certain to be adopted by the executive committee – who will make the final call in video conference in the next few days.If they agree, it means Southgate and the other Euro 2024 coaches will have more options in their squad selection. England football fans put up in zombie townsWhile Southgate has long been a proponent of smaller squads, he was without skipper Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and other players for last month’s friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.The England boss was not leading the call for larger squads but is understood to feel that it was not a problem if he was allowed to select 26 instead of 23.Southgate will want the confirmation that all 15 players not selected in his starting side will be able to sit on the bench, as happened in Qatar.During Euro 2020, by contrast, three players had to be omitted from the match-day squad.Southgate has been planning to select a larger provisional squad next month before whittling down to 23 on the June 7 deadline.But the change in regulations, if confirmed, may see the England boss instead name a 26 with some standby players, giving everybody more certainty.If the extension is approved , it is likely that the larger squads will now become the norm for Uefa national competitions – although Fifa may revert to 23 for the 2026 World Cup. More

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      ‘Not gonna happen’ – Gus Poyet rules out Republic of Ireland job after heartbreaking end to Greece stint

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      GUS POYET confirmed he will not be taking over as Republic of Ireland manager and stated he is now a free agent as there is “absolutely nothing” going on between him and Greece.Poyet took over as the Greek national team’s manager in February 2022 and went on to win his Nations League group, which earned his team promotion to League B and a place in the Euro 2024 play offs.Gus Poyet confirmed he will not be taking over as Republic of Ireland managerCredit: EPAPoyet also confirmed there is ‘absolutely nothing’ going on with Greece after his contract endedCredit: SportsfileThe Tottenham legend then went on to beat Ireland twice in the European championships’ qualifying stage but finished third in Group B behind France and the Netherlands.The Uruguayan tactician then led Ethniki to a stunning 5-0 win over Kazakhstan in the Euros’ play-off semi-finals but lost the final to Georgia on penalties.The Chelsea legend is now officially a free agent as his contract with Greece ran out on March 31 and no efforts were made to extend his stay.Reports suggest the Republic have been wanting the 56-year-old to take over the top job since Stephen Kenny’s departure in November after his impressive work against them in the group stage.Read More on FootballIt was also reported that the ex-Brighton boss had been courted for a long time with the Football Association of Ireland looking to take advantage of his bizarre contract length that ran out before Euro 2024.However, the former Sunderland manager insists a deal between him and Ireland is “not gonna happen” and the links were baseless, just like they were with other big names.Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Dailybase: “There is nothing, it’s not gonna happen. So there is really no comments to make. “I will compare to [something] similar. I remember last November or December so many people from England were contacting me [asking me if] I was going to Plymouth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Because when betting [sites] put it [my name] at the top up there… I don’t know how many coaches were already practically [a] done [deal] with Republic of Ireland. “Apart from me, it was Roy Keane, it was a [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer, it was Paul Clement, it was John O’Shea. They were all done. And nobody’s done.Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreak”So that will happen with the betting [sites]. Okay, we have to be honest, sometimes they’re right. But no, there is no possibility.”Reports in Greece suggested there is still a chance Poyet would sign a new deal with the national team despite missing out on a place in Germany.However, the former midfielder is adamant there has been no communication with the Greek football federation.Poyet added: “Simple, there is nothing at the moment. There’s nothing, I finished my contract last month and that’s it, there is nothing else. “So right now I’m free meeting people, analysing football, keep learning. Waiting. Always talking to different possibilities. “No offers, possibilities. But with Greece right now there is absolutely nothing.” More

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      Joe Cole leaves out THREE massive names for his England Euro 2024 squad including Man Utd star and in-form striker

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      JOE COLE’S England squad includes Kobbie Mainoo- but NOT Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins or Jack Grealish.Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is set to name a provisional squad on May 21.Joe Cole has pipped Ivan Toney to make the team ahead of Ollie WatkinsCredit: GettyThe ex-Chelsea defender believes Marcus Rashford could just miss out due to competition on the left wingCredit: GettyThe debate still remains whether there will be 26 or 23 players in squads for the tournament.But Southgate has a tough task on his hands in choosing the best forward players to bring to Euro 2024.And that is where Cole turned to when referencing THREE major names that he thinks should miss out on a spot on the plane to Germany.Speaking to promote the launch of the Topps official trading cards and stickers, Cole gave his squad predictions.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe ex- England defender said: “It sounds ridiculous but the character of the players comes into the thinking and what it means to them.”I’m a big fan of Rashford, he’s hit big heights in his career but for no fathomable reason he’ll go on a run where people start questioning him again. “For me, you only take Marcus if you’re going to start him. He’s at the age now that I think that’s where his mind is and I wouldn’t start him ahead of Phil Foden, Harry Kane or Bukayo Saka.”This is no defamation of his character and ability but at this time in his life and situation at United, I think he could be the one that’s left out. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERInjury ridden Jack Grealish wouldn’t make Cole’s team ahead of Bowen or GordonCredit: Getty”Also with Grealish, I love him, but how can you take him ahead of someone who is playing week in week out like a James Maddison or Jarrod Bowen who is doing it and who is match fit?”Grealish is perhaps the most surprising omission, but he has been limited to 15 Prem appearances for Manchester City this season due to injury.His groin problem caused him to miss out on the last England squad, with the likes of Bowen and Anthony Gordon pushing their cases for inclusion, while Cole Palmer remains an option.Another debate regarding the squad is who goes as back-up to Kane, with Southgate likely to take only one extra forward due to squad size restraints.Tom Barclay picks his England team for Euro 2024Watkins leads the way with 16 Prem goals this season but Toney’s physicality proved too strong for Cole.Cole said: “It’s the real tough one and I feel like one of them will be really disappointed and rightly feel hard done by.”Toney took his chance, not just with his penalty but the way he played too. Watkins had a harder task against Brazil.”I would go with Toney, he’s got the mindset and something in him that tells me he can play for England. “He’s not going to be panicking over a penalty, he’s the calmest man in the world and that comes into it too.”England will have to get past France to win 2024 More

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      England star set to return from injury and launch late bid to be in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad

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      ENGLAND star Nick Pope is set to return to action before the end of the season and make a late push to be in the Euro 2024 squad. The Newcastle man’s return date had been uncertain before now.Nick Pope on track to return after shoulder injuryCredit: GettyGareth Southgate has launched a late bid for Pope to be in his Euro 2024 squadCredit: RexGareth Southgate is in need of shot stoppers with uncertainty around his back-up options.Pope came off injured in the 1-0 win over Manchester United in December after dislocating his shoulder. He has been ruled out since but is now on track to return before the end of the season and is expected to play some part in the final games of the campaign.The 31-year-old made the Three Lions squad for the 2022 World Cup but did not make an appearance. READ MORE IN EUROSPope has 10 England caps, making his last appearance in the 3-3 draw against Germany in the UEFA Nation’s League fixture in September 2022. Southgate’s plans over the recent international window were turned upside down by an injury pile-up, meaning he’ll be keen to see any options back in contention.Sam Johnstone, a back-up option to Jordan Pickford, is currently out injured and looks set to miss the Euros.Meanwhile Aaron Ramsdale isn’t playing for Arsenal.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe desire for more options could see Southgate support a proposal for bigger squads.Squad numbers increased from 23 to 26 at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, but were expected to revert back to 23 this summer. Tom Barclay picks his England team for Euro 2024However, Southgate is considering backing a call from other coaches to take an expanded 26-strong due to England’s injury crisis.He is scheduled to announce the training squad on Tuesday May 21, just two days after the Premier League ends. England will kick off Euro 2024 against Serbia in on Sunday June, 16 before taking on Denmark on Thursday June, 20. More

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      Euro 2024 terror warning to England fans after ISIS Moscow attack and kamikaze drones raise ‘dangers to new level’

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.The Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, just 75 days before kick-off.England fans travelling to Germany to watch Gareth Southgate’s team have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe warning comes just 75 days before kick-offCredit: AdidasThe Islamist attack in Moscow has raised ‘dangers to a new level’, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser saidCredit: APMs Faeser added: “We are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly for the Euros and are preparing for all possible dangers.“This is necessary to protect this major international event in the best possible way.“The security of the tournament is paramount.”Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans at the tournament in June will be a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks. British police will also be in Germany.A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as skipper Harry Kane and young sensation Jude Bellingham.They will stay at the swish five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain – with Wags and families also protected.Most read in FootballIt comes amid fears of a menacing reaction from Russia after they were banned from taking part in the Euros – and enemy nation Ukraine qualified last week.Author and terrorism expert Neil Doyle said: “Euro 2024 represents a major target for groups looking to mount mass casualty attacks for revenge and global headlines.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot “The use of drones will be a major concern as they have become a new feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine.“Germany as a location in itself is also attractive as it has backed Ukraine with arms and equipment.”Security expert Colonel Richard Kemp, who has worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and national crisis group Cobra, said: “Russia would like to disrupt this event in some way, such as a cyber attack, and they would hope to embarrass the German government.”As more than half a million UK nationals prepare to be in Germany for the tournament starting in 75 days, Ms Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level.”She added: “The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.“This ranges from protection against Islamists and other ­potential violent criminals to the security of our networks against cyber attacks.”The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threatsGerman Interior Minister Nancy FaeserAleksander Ceferin, president of tournament organisers Uefa, has spoken of the “world going crazy” and warned: “The biggest concern is security.” Germany will host 23 other nations – including England and Scotland – during the month-long 51-game football showpiece kicking off on June 14.Experts warn both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze dronesCredit: AFPVladimir Putin runs an army of web warriorsCredit: GettyFar-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is also gaining popularityCredit: RexAfD politician Rene SpringerCredit: Getty’Vital to be safe’Last night, fans were urged to be on high alert for the dangers, with British police being deployed to Germany.A UK government spokesman said: “Football fans all over the country will be looking forward to a summer of football. “We are working with the German police to support a safe and trouble-free tournament. “A UK police delegation will be deployed to Germany during the event and we will also be offering support and advice on how to engage with fans attending from the UK.”Caroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committee, said:  “Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have fun.”Referring to Ms Faeser’s warning, Damian Green, Tory MP and former deputy PM, who sits on the sports select committee, said: “This is a disturbing and sobering ­comment for all of us who love ­visiting Germany. “It is always important to listen to local advice about how to stay safe.”Tim Loughton, Tory MP and a member of the Home Affairs select committee, said: “With terrorist threat levels heightened across the world it is a sad reality of modern life that popular international sporting occasions have routinely become targets for attacks by ­fanatical groups who would undermine everything we stand for.”Safety fears centre on gun-carrying Islamists sneaking into Germany among migrants from the Middle East, and Russian agents entering among Ukrainians fleeing the war.Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have funCaroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committeeGerman intelligence experts say the biggest threat is an attack from the same ISIS-K group’s gun gangs which slaughtered 143 rock fans in Moscow last weekend.Both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze drones which could cause mayhem if smuggled into Germany.Unmanned flying drones have added a new dimension to the ­terrorist threat after being used by both sides in the Ukraine war and Islamists of Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.  ‘Danger increases’One of the greatest fears at Euro 2024 is a potentially devastating drone attack on a stadium or large gathering of fans.Drone expert Professor Nicolas Stockhammer warned: “Isis in particular has repeatedly used drones in attacks over the past ten years.“But technology is more readily available today for both kamikaze drones and as drones equipped with explosive charges.“And the danger increases if the attackers succeed in capturing modern military drones such as those being used in the current war zones.”Authorities suspect Russia’s army of cyber hackers are gearing up to cause computer chaos with attacks on stadium lights, transport, ticketing and security systems.The Kremlin’s industrial scale hacking operations look certain to ramp up as Vladimir Putin seethes over Russia’s exclusion from the tournament.Ms Faeser also spoke of her ­concern about the threat posed by far-right groups feared to be graduating from hate crime to terrorism.Neo-Nazi thugs have fired up ­bigotry since Germany absorbed more than two million migrants followed by a million refugees from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.Ms Faeser said: “We thwarted right-wing extremist acts and uncovered a large terrorist network of German citizens.”Far-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is gaining popularity, with politicians such as Rene Springer sitting in the German parliament.Yesterday, the FA said security was a matter for the Foreign Office.We approached Uefa for comment.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser says: ‘The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats’Credit: GettyA ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as Jude BellinghamCredit: Alamy More