Police in East Cheshire have issued a Red Card warning to anyone responsible for violence or disorder during World Cup month, making it very clear that anti social behaviour among groups of people will not be tolerated.
Chief Inspector Paul Carroll said, “Events like the World Cup are special occasions which everyone has a right to enjoy. Unfortunately a few people use them as an excuse for excessive drinking. They may become rowdy, abusive and sometimes violent.
“We are determined that the fun of vast numbers of genuine football fans will not be spoiled by the bad behaviour of a few. Extra officers will be on duty at times when key matches –especially those involving England- are being screened.”
“There cannot be many better ways to watch an international match than on the big screen at the local pub as part of a group of fans. The atmosphere should be fantastic. Unfortunately, it only takes one drink-fuelled incident to turn the whole thing on its head. In such cases officers will respond quickly.
"Troublemakers will find they are facing either Fixed Penalty Notice fines or, where appropriate, they will be arrested. Football euphoria soon wears off in a police cell.
“We would warn people who are subject to pub bans, either by the courts or by local Pub Watch groups not to ignore those bans. We will be on hand to assist if door staff or bar staff find they become involved in a confrontation with someone insisting on going into premises where he or she is barred.
“The vast majority of licensees in this area are very responsible and during the World Cup they will be trying to give people a good time in an orderly way. We will be giving our support to that! ”
Cheshire Police and partner agencies are also running a campaign to encourage victims of domestic violence to report any incidents. Chief Inspector Carroll said, “It is a sad fact that domestic abuse usually shows an increase during high-profile sporting events. This, again, is usually down to the link with excessive drinking.
“The campaign message is that domestic violence is not acceptable at any time. All incidents should be reported to ourselves or our partner agencies. We have specially trained Police Officers to handle the investigation and a full range of support is available to victims.
Picture: Chief Inspector Paul Carroll with a clear message for World Cup hooligans.
