FA Warning To British Supporters: The Threat Of Ticket Confiscation At Euro 2024

Illustration of supporters of the England national team (photo: x @whatsn2day)

JAKARTA - Supporters of the England national team have received a stern warning from the English Football Association (FA) ahead of Euro 2024, that they are at risk of losing match tickets if they do not behave properly. This warning comes ahead of Britain's opening match against Serbia which is considered a high-risk match by German police.

The FA has sent a letter to members of the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC), explaining that "any unacceptable behavior while following the UK could result in a future match ticket withdrawal (including during the tournament)." They insist that their security and guards will be present in all UK matches to follow up on any violations committed by supporters.

A communication letter with the ESTC also added, "FA will not tolerate excessive behavior and will always seriously investigate inappropriate behavior reports." They stressed that ESTC members are ambassadors to the UK national team and are expected to act to continue to improve the image of supporters of Britain and the national team on the international stage.

The German govt asked England supporters not to sing 10 German bombers.Meanwhile in Dusseldorf...... pic.twitter.com/oTdQVz09F4

— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) June 16, 2024

The German govt asked England supporters not to sing 10 German bombers.Meanwile in Dusseldorf... pic.twitter.com/oTdQVz09F4

The FA's stern warning comes after a video showing a group of British supporters singing the controversial song '10 German bombers' on the streets of Dusseldorf ahead of their team's game at the tournament. This song, sung with the tone of the song 'If You're Happy and You Know It', refers to German victims in World War II.

German police chief Peter Both has previously warned British supporters not to sing this song with a firm message 'don't be a ridiculous person' before the tournament begins. Although not breaking the law in Germany, Peter expressed his hope that other peaceful and law-abiding supporters would stop the behavior.

Despite the long sporting rivalry between Britain and Germany recognized, Peter stressed that the two countries have been allies for more than seven decades, and this rivalry is limited to the sports field.

However, another video shows a group of British supporters jumping around with English beer cans and flags outside a Mexican restaurant, still excited to sing the song on Friday night.

An estimated 300,000 British supporters will travel to Germany this summer in the hope of seeing the national team end 58 years of title 'fasting'. The FA hopes this warning can keep the atmosphere of peace and sportiness along Britain's participation in Euro 2024, which is expected to be a festive international football party without incidents that harm both the image of supporters and the England national team.