Police urge fans to be World Cup heroes

Ex-England International and Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee joined GMP Chief Constable Peter Fahy to launch a campaign urging football fans in the county to be World Cup heroes by drinking responsibly, being polite and avoiding trouble.

Heavy drinking mixed with group pressure and the emotion-charged atmosphere that major football events create can lead to people behaving out of character and turn minor incidents into violent confrontations.

Police say that by following the simple advice above true fans can help to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and memorable World Cup whatever the final outcome.

The advice is featured on free GMP World Cup wall planners that contain all the fixtures, dates, times and venues allowing fans to keep a running record of how the competition is progressing. They are available through Neighbourhood Policing Teams, police station enquiry counters and are also being distributed by Manchester FA to all their members.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “Like football fans everywhere I await the start of this World Cup with eager anticipation. It is without doubt the greatest and most popular sporting event on Earth and brings joy and anguish in equal measure to fans everywhere.

“It also provides challenges to police as the supercharged atmosphere it creates fuelled with excessive drinking can lead to outbursts of violence sometimes with tragic consequences. People can be assured that we will be closely monitoring potential trouble spots and will intervene robustly at an early stage to tackle offenders intent on spoiling what should be a safe and happy celebration of football for everyone to enjoy.

“Our planner features the victorious England team of 1966 who made that year one that every English football fan will remember. By showing respect and consideration for other football fans and members of the public we can all make this year’s World Cup memorable for all the right reasons”.

Football fans who live in the county can get their free World Cup planners through the Greater Manchester Police website on:

www.gmp.police.uk