England fans have reportedly been warned by the FA that they risk having their tickets confiscated if they fail to behave appropriately at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions are set to get their campaign underway against Serbia on Sunday night, with German police marking it down as a ‘high-risk’ fixture.
It is due to be the only match at the tournament where low-alcohol beer is served in a bid to prevent trouble, and England supporters have been told that there will be serious consequences if they step out of line.
According to i, the FA have written to England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) members, making it clear that ‘any unacceptable behaviour whilst following England may result in… withdrawal of future match tickets (including during the tournament).’
The FA will have their own security and stewards at all of England’s fixtures over the coming days, and insist they will look to clamp down on any fans that misbehave in Germany.
England fans were filmed chanting England supporters have been filmed chanting ’10 German bombers’ on the streets, with one even holding up a toy plane
England fans have been warned they could have their tickets confiscated if they misbehave at Euro 2024
The FA – headed by CEO Mark Bullingham (pictured) – have told supporters that ‘unacceptable behaviour’ will not be tolerated
Their communication with the ESTC adds: ‘The FA will not tolerate any excessive behaviour and will always investigate reports of inappropriate behaviour with the utmost urgency,” the communication says.
‘Members are ambassadors for the England team and should act in such a way that will continue to enhance the image of English supporters and the national side on the world stage.’
News of the FA’s warning comes just hours after rowdy England fans were filmed chanting ’10 German bombers’ in the streets of Dusseldorf ahead of their team’s opening match of the tournament.
‘Ten German bombers’ – sung to the tune of ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’ – refers to German casualties in the Second World War.
German police had previously ordered Three Lions fans not to sing the song, sending out a blunt ‘don’t be a d***’ message prior to the tournament.
According to The Telegraph, chief of police Peter Both said: ‘That’s what I would say to them: Don’t be a d***. If they sing a song like this, I can’t change it.
‘It’s not punishable in Germany. I hope that all the other peaceful and law-abiding fans say to them: “Stop it”.
This is despite being warned by German police ‘don’t be a d***’ at the tournament
‘I know, and all people in Germany know, there is a long-lasting sporting rivalry between England and Germany. But it’s important for me to say it’s only a sporting one.
‘Our countries have been, and remain, allies for over seven decades.’
Despite this warning, a group of England fans jumping around with beer cans and an English flag outside a Mexican restaurant, belted out the song on Friday night.
It is estimated that 300,000 England fans will make their way out to Germany this summer in the hope of seeing the national team end 58 years of hurt.