By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The so-called ‘English Disease’ - Football Hooliganism - is rearing its ugly head again.
Six England fans have been issued with football banning orders as a result of disorder during the build up to the match against Serbia on 16 June 2024.
The bans range from three years to five years during which the fans concerned are not allowed to attend domestic matches and England internationals.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is working with their German policing colleagues to deliver a safe tournament.
The UKFPU head, Mick Johnson, has remarked that:
“We want fans who are travelling to have a good time, but please remember to drink responsibly, respect the local culture and don’t get involved in disorder.”
A further four fans have already been in court in the UK and bailed under conditions to surrender their passports.
The UKFPU is also investigating some other England fans, who are believed to have been involved in disorder prior to the England match against Serbia.
It is only fair to point out, as Johnson does, that those England fans, who are involved in any kind of disorder at Euro 24, are a small minority!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’