The UK’s most senior football police officer has commended the outstanding conduct of England supporters who travelled to Miami for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final triumph over Norway.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, who leads the UK Football Policing Unit, described the behaviour of approximately 40,000 fans at the match as “exemplary”.
“The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with no animosity between fans at the end of the match,” he said.
However, Roberts expressed disappointment that scenes back in Britain painted a starkly different picture during the 2-1 extra-time victory.
England fans have been warned by Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, who leads the UK Football Policing Unit
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Police forces across the country recorded more than 500 incidents from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in over 100 arrests nationwide.
“The vast majority of these incidents have been alcohol-related and along with the extended licensing hours, we have seen an increase in calls to premises with big screens that are attracting large numbers of fans,” Roberts said.
The chief constable noted that this World Cup has proven to be the most problematic tournament on home soil in terms of disorder and arrests.
Extended pub licensing hours permitted venues in England and Wales to remain open throughout the match, which kicked off at 22:00 BST.
Roberts has appealed to supporters watching from home to emulate those setting a positive example across the Atlantic when England face Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Atlanta Stadium.
Jude Bellingham has scored six goals for England at the World Cup this summer | REUTERS
“It’s a real shame that the same cannot be said about the behaviour of fans back home here in the UK,” he stated.
The match, kicking off at 20:00 BST, will be broadcast live on the BBC, with the Home Office confirming that extended licensing hours will apply to this fixture and potentially the final.
“Ahead of Wednesday’s game I would urge fans back home to follow those leading by example in the US – enjoy the game and atmosphere, go out and have fun but do so without causing problems for yourselves and others,” Roberts added.
Security preparations in Atlanta are already under way ahead of the high-stakes encounter between the two nations.
The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed it has strengthened its public safety and security arrangements across the city.
“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” the department stated.
Officials added that these proactive measures aim to protect the public, deter criminal activity and allow residents and visitors to safely enjoy the historic occasion.
