‘Get a sense of humour’: Ex-army officer defends England fans over Ten German Bombers song
EXCLUSIVE: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has likewise suggested those concerned about the song need to lighten up a bit.
Euro 2024: England fans sing Ten German Bombers in Frankfurt
A former British Army officer has defended England fans who taunted Germans with a controversial song referencing World War 2 - while suggesting critics needed to “get a sense of humour”.
Ignoring warnings from British and German authorities, small groups of England fans in the country for the European Championships are continuing to sing Ten German Bombers, referencing the Battle of Britain and its aftermath more than 80 years ago.
Express.co.uk’s Zak Garner-Purkis, who is in Germany, captured one incident on camera yesterday in Frankfurt, where England fans have gathered before tonight’s group match with Denmark.
Many German fans believe the song, inspired by the children’s song Ten Green Bottles and referencing the RAF, is offensive.
Before the start of the tournament, the FA urged England fans to be "great guests" after it was sung during a warm-up friendly earlier this month.
However, Colonel Frederick Chedham suggested those wringing their hands about the song were being a little over-sensitive.
The former officer, who is also Reform UK’s defence spokesman, told Express.co.uk: “I think it’s a silly attempt to smear ordinary folk who are enjoying football banter, albeit a little off-colour.
“Fortunately, I have German friends with more sense of humour than many of the metropolitan media and who know what football terrace, rugby club, factory workplace and pub banter is like.
“It’s just humour, in a nation with a reputation for black and dry humour, and people should stop looking for petty ways to be offended.”
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Col Chedham’s remarks echo those of party leader Nigel Farage when asked about the subject.
The ex-MEP, who is standing in Clacton-on-Sea, told LBC’s Nick Ferrari: "It's very important that young men are not men, they shouldn't drink beer, they shouldn't have fun, they shouldn't chant, no no, we are to live in a modern puritan world.
"Is it any wonder that so many young Gen Z-ers are now supporting me on TikTok and elsewhere because they're being told not to be young lads.
“I know this is difficult for the Germans but please, get a sense of humour."
In quotes attributed to him by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month, chief of police Peter Both, when asked what his message would be to England fans singing the song, 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.”
Prior to the tournament, the FA contacted the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) to issue a stern warning about fan behaviour.
They said: “The FA will not tolerate any excessive behaviour and will always investigate reports of inappropriate behaviour with the utmost urgency.
'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.”
