- German police heighten security for England-Serbia match
- Southgate urges fans to “enjoy the football”
- UEFA lifts stadium barriers, increasing security risk
German police have increased security measures for the England-Serbia game on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.
When asked about the increased security risk of England’s opening Euros match against Serbia, Gareth Southgate responded that he “expects everyone to enjoy the football.
The England manager was replying to a question at a pre-match press conference on Saturday regarding the decision to increase security for Sunday’s game in Gelsenkirchen.
When asked about his message to supporters, he stated, “I expect everyone to enjoy the sport.
I’ve been privileged to participate in many tournaments and to travel to tournaments in which I was not personally involved.
They’re fantastic football carnivals – an opportunity to explore a new area, meet people worldwide and have a great time, so I’m sure everyone is coming.
He said, “I hope the whole of Europe can come together for this fantastic game and support their team.
Officials have labeled England’s opening match as a “high-risk” game. Spectators will be provided with a lower-alcohol beer in the stadium, and drinking will be prohibited in the stands.
More than 300,000 British fans will attend Euro 2024 in Germany, marking the highest attendance since Euro 2016 in France.
Policing the first game has been made more difficult by UEFA’s request for the barriers to be lifted within the stadium. Both sides will be seated closer; two-thirds of tickets will go to mixed sections.
German police Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt told Sky News: “I believe it is a very high-risk game because of the history and the hooligans on both sides.
“Serbia has a lot of hooligans.” The English lads can be exceedingly aggressive when they are under the influence of drink. So it’s a fantastic job to do this and prepare so that hopefully nothing happens.”
Football deaths are a ‘huge shock’
Southgate was questioned about the deaths of two footballers today, former Arsenal and Everton great Kevin Campell and Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, during a joint news conference with captain Harry Kane on Saturday.
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Southgate stated that “both pieces of news were received with shock and great sadness,” adding that England players who had played with Sarkic are “feeling that even more.”
He remembered playing with Campbell, who died at 54, at Arsenal and described him as a “hugely popular man”.
“Kevin and I were the same age. His son attended our junior pathway as well. “Our thoughts are with his family right now,” he said.
Both men stated they expect Sunday’s game to be challenging.
Kane informed reporters that they expect a challenging game tomorrow night.
Southgate added: There are many talented teams in this competition, and we have to be exceptional to advance, first through the group stage and then to the next round.
