Tonight, England and Argentina will compete in the FIFA World Cup semi-final game in Atlanta, and the Atlanta Police Department will be enhancing city-wide security measures.
According to The Athletic, the contentious rivalry between the two countries is poised to create additional security risks. Videos are already circulating online of English and Argentinian fans fighting in Miami after Saturday’s World Cup game between England and Norway.
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“As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semifinal match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture,” said Atlanta police in a statement. “Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
None of the additional officers in Atlanta will be from England’s own mobile delegation unit that has been following the team throughout the tournament.
A FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic that despite increasing security in Atlanta, “There have been no major incidents, and this spirit of unity and respect is something FIFA expects to continue.”
While there may have been remarkably few incidents in the U.S. during World Cup games, the UKFPU reported 500 incidents and 100 arrests in the UK during Saturday’s match between England and Norway. According to the UKFPU, a majority of those incidents were alcohol related.
“If we can have 40,000 fans together in Miami with no trouble, then why can’t fans follow their exemplary behaviour and do the same back home?” asked Mark Roberts, chief constable of the UKFPU. “Ahead of Wednesday’s game, I would urge fans back home to follow those leading by example in the US — enjoy the game and atmosphere, go out and have fun but do so without causing problems for yourselves and others.”
