Football fans have been warned not to “overstep the line” during England’s World Cup semi-final match.
Police are gearing up for Wednesday’s clash against Croatia, hoping to avoid a repeat of the alcohol-fuelled scenes at the weekend when over-excited fans clambered over cars, buses and emergency vehicles.
Chief Superintendent Graeme Openshaw, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Fans have to strike a balance and we’d ask people not to overstep the line and be respectful of others around them.
“Unfortunately, we are aware that people have been climbing on emergency services vehicles and blocking buses – not only is this dangerous but this is also stopping people from doing an important job.”
MORE: England's World Cup win sparks wild celebrations across south London
Police forces across the country were inundated with 999 calls following England’s victory over Sweden on Saturday, with many receiving more than on New Year’s Eve.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 387 football-related incidents were recorded, mostly alcohol-related disorder.
🚑 FUNDRAISING APPEAL 🚑 After the events which saw an emergency response vehicle vandalised, the MSC have set up a fundraising page to help with any repairs.
— Millwall Supporters’ Club (@TheMillwallFans) July 8, 2018
If you’d like to put something towards helping those who help us, then donate below!https://t.co/XVTyu19j4d pic.twitter.com/1GRf7xC46x
Its lead for football policing Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, said: “There is absolutely no excuse for this type of senseless behaviour. Emergency services resources are already stretched.”
There have been 1,086 football-related incidents since the tournament began, including 226 of domestic abuse. A total of 230 arrests have been made.
The incidents over the weekend included:
– An ambulance car being smashed up when fans jumped on it near London Bridge
MORE: Millwall fans fundraise to help repair ambulance 'vandalised' after England's World Cup win
– A man jumping off the roof of a double decker bus and smashing through the roof of a bus shelter in Clapham
– Disorder in Northampton that caused roads to be closed
– Hundreds of people blocking a street in Leicestershire and letting off flares
– Crowds blocking roads in Southampton and people climbing on top of buses
– Disruption in Bridlington, Hull and Cleethorpes as people climbed on bus shelters and vehicles
– A taxi being smashed up in Nottingham. Witnesses said the driver, who was not injured, was still inside the car when the vandalism started.
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