So far we've had racist chants and now 4 stewards battered by Russian hooligans. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4364334/Cops-alert-over-Euro-2012-thugs.html I can't help but think if this was English hooligans there would be a massive outcry ect but uefa seem to be just brushing stuff under carpet.
Sadly it's only a matter of time before the English will be involved in some form of violence. This would naturally generate more headlines in this country, but whether it would across Europe is open to debate. It's difficult to punish countries football teams for the behavior of their "fans" away from a football stadium, I wonder if other countries go to the same lengths as England in bringing across its only police officers and issuing banning orders. I expect that's unlikely especially in eastern Europe.
Wonder how many england fans will be there anyway. Sky reporter says it seems very quiet, but hopes more will turn up soon.
I don't think they do go to our lengths with policing ect, just will be interesting to see when it does kick off cos something will happen
In previous Euro tournaments, the outcry was always greatest when English fans were involved. Fans of other countries, particularly the Turks, Dutch, and Germans, would go looking for the English, and the English would still get the blame. It's taken a long time, but we may finally have shaken off the bad reputation of England fans, and hopefully there'll be no incidents of any note involving the English. It is annoying though, the hypocrisy of the authorities. You can imagine how loud Platini would be screaming if a handful of England fans had been behind the sort of problems we've seen from a small minority of Poles and Russians.It is only a small minority though, that needs saying, but I don't see much appetite from UEFA to face up to problems.
Without doubt when our fans turn up in numbers, there will be trouble, i cant remember the last time there was no trouble at the euros/WC
Apparently only about 5000 have travelled, which ain't many considering previous tournament numbers. 10000 in Southa Africa and 20000 in Germany.
I think its more scare mongering that has caused the lack or a travelling army. There is a problem with extreme right wingism in the 2 countries but every country does. I've been to supposed ultra nationalist, far right countries with my milk chocolate skin, and not had a problem. The constant talk of "if you go you will be battered death by everyone and anywhere", has clearly put some people off. Understandable but it's just a moral panic, and the English media trying to compensate for not getting the world cup.
Yeah that's why I decided not to go. I think the prices were more like 10 times more - just ripping everyone off! However, after the recent programmes on racism, I'm glad I pulled out when I did!
Apparently there are rooms to be had in London for the Olympics because people were put off by price hikes. Most people understand price increases where demand is high, but it's important to pitch it right. There are camp sites for the Euros...perhaps these weren't promoted enough. However, I reckon this tournament is just a bit low key this year. The team is not highly regarded, fans have low expectations, and the media have been concentrating on the Jubilee and Olympics. I was caught by surprise when the tournament started and I'm keen on football. This could work out well for the team: no one expects much so not difficult to exceed expectations and the new manager gets valuable experience with the team before WC qualification matches.
A lot of people are concerned about their jobs - if they have jobs - and are struggling to pay back debts and put something aside for a rainy day. The days of bash the plastic, live now pay later, are over for a lot of people. Add to that the total lack of expectation, and it's no wonder so many England fans have stayed away.
Croatian hooligans attacked police with flares, fireworks and chairs when arresting one of there own. [video=youtube;xdakPQ91ABc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdakPQ91ABc[/video]
