Police urge Euro 2012 football fans to ‘make us proud’

Chief Inspector Chris Hill

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Greater Manchester Police is today launching a campaign urging football fans in the county to ‘make us proud’ 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 Euro 2012 whatever the final outcome.

The advice is featured on GMP Euro 2012 wall planners that contain all the fixtures, dates and times allowing fans to keep a running record of how the competition is progressing. They are available for fans to download and print free from the Forces website on www.gmp.police.uk or by scanning the QR code on your smartphone.

Chief Inspector Chris Hill who is leading on any policing issues arising out of the tournament in Greater Manchester said: “Like football fans across Europe I await the start of this competition with eager anticipation. It is one of the major highlights of this year’s sporting calendar and brings joy and anguish in equal measure to fans across the continent.

“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.

“By showing respect and consideration for other football fans and members of the public we can all make Euro 2012 memorable for all the right reasons”.