German police are reportedly worried about England and Serbia fans clashing (Image: GETTY)
German police are reportedly worried that England fans might get caught up in trouble if God Save The King is booed by Serbia supporters at Euro 2024 this weekend. Gareth Southgate and his squad will take on Serbia in what has been deemed a 'high risk fixture' by local authorities.
Around 500 hooligans from Serbia are expected to travel to Germany for the match alongside 5,000 regular fans. England, meanwhile, will be supported in Gelsenkirchen by up to 40,000 fans with around 500,000 set to travel to Germany over the course of the tournament.
Police and security chiefs have flagged Sunday's game as a potential flashpoint over fears that Serbian fans could boo the English national anthem, according to The Mirror. The possibility of trouble is said to have raised alarm bells, but German authorities are reportedly convinced they will have it under control.
England will face Serbia at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday (Image: GETTY)
Plans are in place to cope with any potential incidents, while stadiums will serve low-alcohol beer at selected fixtures. There will also be a large police presence at fan zones across Germany, where fans without tickets can watch matches on a giant screen.
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, has reassured fans that authorities will be prepared to tackle any trouble that arises. He also pointed out that England fans have a good recent track record when it comes to behaviour at major tournaments.
"Over the last few years our England fans have been absolutely brilliant support to us, particularly in the stadium," said Bullingham. "There are a lot of people going to come out here. The best thing that the fans can do to help us do well in this tournament is be a tribute to their country.
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"We want them to do that, reminding them that in 2006 we were the fans of the tournament. They were brilliant then. Obviously the actual protection of fans is a UEFA and a policing issue. If you look at our role and what we control, it is how you work together with them.
"We’ve worked together with the police, the FSA, the police in both Germany and England over the last 18 months in a really collaborative project. I think from our point of view we have performed that role and we actually are really looking forward to the game.
"We think it will be a brilliant game between two strong footballing countries with great heritage so we are looking forward to it."
