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Police in Euro 2024 host country, Germany, have taken unusual measures to ensure fan safety at the tournament
German police have taken an unconventional approach to managing fan behaviour for England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, set to take place in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Designated a 'high-risk' fixture due to fears of potential violence, the authorities have banned the sale of strong beer at the Veltins Arena, home to Schalke, and advised fans to imbibe in cannabis instead.
German police encourage smoking cannabis
Only low-percentage beer and shandy will be available to the fans in an effort to curb any aggressive behaviour that could arise from alcohol consumption, so German police have suggested that England fans opt for smoking cannabis over drinking alcohol. Cannabis was legalised in Germany on April 1, and while it cannot be consumed inside stadiums, fan zones, bars, or city squares, fans are permitted to smoke it on the streets.
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Police spokesperson Stephan Knipp explained to the Sun: "It's no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street. If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course, we'll look at the group drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood."
German police take unconventional route to safety
The primary concern for German authorities is ensuring the safety of all attendees and preventing any incidents of violence. By restricting the availability of strong alcohol and encouraging a more relaxed alternative, the police hope to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. "We want to prevent violence and keep people safe.
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“Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent - that's why we have put in place safety precautions on alcohol," Knipp added.
England open their Euro 2024 tournament against Serbia on Sunday before taking on Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
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