Fans in the West Midlands have enjoyed the opening matches of Euro 2012 in an atmosphere of “good-natured fun” with not a single football-related arrest registered by police across the region. West Midlands Police is required to report any incidents believed to be associated with the tournament – including disorder or anti-social behaviour at venues screening matches – to the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU)
But since the tournament kicked off in Poland and Ukraine last Friday there have been no related arrests locally and no incidents of serious disorder. Sergeant Donna Jones from West Midlands Police’s specialist Football Unit urged fans to again cheer on the national side in a safe, lawful manner during Friday night’s key match with Sweden.
She said: “We haven’t received any reports of serious trouble in the region or clashes between rival fans…it’s been no different to any ‘normal’ event in our town and city centres.
“Policing operations are in place across our towns and cities to respond to crime, disorder or any issues relating to excess alcohol consumption. We want everyone to enjoy the event and we won’t tolerate poor behaviour that can spoil the spectacle for the majority of law abiding supporters.”
Last week, the Football Unit issued a warning that anyone involved in football-related disorder – including incidents during pub screenings – risks being handed a Football Banning Order in the courts.
They make UK football grounds no-go zones to offenders and also prevent them from travelling overseas to football tournaments.
A West Bromwich Albion fan is the latest West Midlands person to be handed a Football Banning Order after he was removed from a flight before it departed Gatwick on Saturday, June 10. The 24-year-old from Tipton – arrested by Norwegian police during England’s Euro 2012 warm-up game last month – was made subject to a three-year Order at a special court sitting in London the following day.
Sgt Donna Jones, added: “He was trying the make his way to the Euros; this result reflects our commitment to tackle people with a history of violence or disorder from attending the tournament.
“There is a national, co-ordinated ports operation in place so no matter where people try to leave the country from there will be police and officials looking out for potential troublemakers.”
Tweets
West Midlands Police’s social media pun-dits will be given a run-out ahead of and during of tomorrow’s England vs Sweden game with a series of ‘Team Sheet Tweets’ giving one to 11 tips on staying safe whilst watching the game.
The initiative aims to convey important security and crime prevention messaging to the force’s 36,000 Twitter followers in a fun, footy-themed style.
