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This is why German authorities halved the alcohol percentage for English and Serbian fans.
The upcoming Euro 2024 match between England and Serbia has stirred significant concern among authorities, prompting a unique and drastic measure: serving only low-alcohol beer at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
German police, fearing potential violence, have mandated that beverages with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of just 2.8% will be available for purchase.
With an estimated 40,000 England fans expected to attend, and a potential contingent of 5,000 to 8,000 Serbian supporters, authorities are on high alert for any signs of trouble.
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The match has been designated as 'high risk' due to the historical presence of hooliganism associated with both sets of fans.
To mitigate the risk, organizers are limiting fans to purchasing only two low-alcohol beers at a time, and supporters will not be permitted to take their drinks to their seats.
Additionally, strict measures will be enforced in Gelsenkirchen's Heinrich Konig Platz, where no alcohol consumption will be allowed on matchday.
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This preemptive action reflects the authorities' proactive stance in maintaining public safety. Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt emphasized the potential aggression fueled by alcohol, particularly among English fans, underscoring the necessity of stringent measures.
Andreas Schär, managing director of Euro 2024, highlighted the focus on preventive measures to deter disorder. With Serbia's return to the tournament after an absence, uncertainties surround the potential interactions between fan groups.
While concrete intelligence regarding specific threats may be lacking, police anticipate the presence of up to 400 or 500 Serbian hooligans.
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The challenge lies in identifying and separating violent elements from peaceful fans, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.
In addition to the low-alcohol beer mandate, security measures include banning drones in the city on matchday and vigilant monitoring of terrorism threats.
Despite these precautions, organizers remain cautiously optimistic about managing any potential escalation, emphasizing the importance of proactive intervention to maintain order and safety during the highly anticipated fixture.
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