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09/06/2006
England fans in party mood in Frankfurt
England fans are in a party mood in Frankfurt ahead of England's first World Cup group match against Paraguay tomorrow, according to reports.
As many as 40,000 England fans are expected to be in Frankfurt for the game, which takes place tomorrow afternoon, and there is a strong police presence in the city, including British police officers.
However, so far the atmosphere has been carnival-esque, with reporters describing the mood as "lively, but good-natured".
There were reports of drinking and chanting outside bars in Frankfurt on Thursday night, but there was no violence and police did not have to intervene.
Police said that the singing of songs related to the Second World War would be tolerated, but supporters have been warned that making Nazi salutes is a criminal offence in Germany.
Frankfurt police chief Achim Thiel said: "The idea is that every fan will be happy here in Frankfurt - we have no order to a police officer to interrupt this funny, amusing situation."
Uniformed British police officers will be patrolling the city alongside their German counterparts. It is the first time that British officers have been deployed outside of the UK in uniform.
Home Office minster Vernon Coaker said: "The symbolism of British and German officers working together is very important. It sends a message to the fans.
Around 10,000 England fans who do not have tickets for tomorrow's match are expected to watch the game on giant television screens in the middle of the River Main.
The Football Supporters' Federation has also launched a 'fans' embassy' in Frankfurt which will offer advice to England fans travelling to the tournament.
There has also been good news ahead of tomorrow's match as it has been reported that Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is expected to be fit to start in the match.
On Thursday, Gerrard had said that he had a '50-50' chance of starting in England's first group game. He had missed Wednesday's training session because of a back problem.
The World Cup begins on Friday afternoon, with Germany playing against Costa Rica in the opening game in Munich.
(KMcA/SP)
As many as 40,000 England fans are expected to be in Frankfurt for the game, which takes place tomorrow afternoon, and there is a strong police presence in the city, including British police officers.
However, so far the atmosphere has been carnival-esque, with reporters describing the mood as "lively, but good-natured".
There were reports of drinking and chanting outside bars in Frankfurt on Thursday night, but there was no violence and police did not have to intervene.
Police said that the singing of songs related to the Second World War would be tolerated, but supporters have been warned that making Nazi salutes is a criminal offence in Germany.
Frankfurt police chief Achim Thiel said: "The idea is that every fan will be happy here in Frankfurt - we have no order to a police officer to interrupt this funny, amusing situation."
Uniformed British police officers will be patrolling the city alongside their German counterparts. It is the first time that British officers have been deployed outside of the UK in uniform.
Home Office minster Vernon Coaker said: "The symbolism of British and German officers working together is very important. It sends a message to the fans.
Around 10,000 England fans who do not have tickets for tomorrow's match are expected to watch the game on giant television screens in the middle of the River Main.
The Football Supporters' Federation has also launched a 'fans' embassy' in Frankfurt which will offer advice to England fans travelling to the tournament.
There has also been good news ahead of tomorrow's match as it has been reported that Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is expected to be fit to start in the match.
On Thursday, Gerrard had said that he had a '50-50' chance of starting in England's first group game. He had missed Wednesday's training session because of a back problem.
The World Cup begins on Friday afternoon, with Germany playing against Costa Rica in the opening game in Munich.
(KMcA/SP)
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