ISLANDERS watching matches in the Euro 2024 football tournament have been given a “gentle reminder” by Police about the need to behave responsibly.
A week after the tournament started, and with England set to play their second match against Denmark at 5pm today, the force have underlined the importance of supporters not getting carried away.
Chief Inspectors Mark Hafey acknowledged that a major tournament provided an exciting period for football enthusiasts, but urged a degree of caution.
“We understand that the thrill of multiple matches in one evening may lead some fans to consume more alcohol than they typically would,” he said. “Whether you’re cheering on your team from the comfort of your home or joining fellow supporters at local pubs, we urge you to drink responsibly.
“Remember, the enjoyment of the game should not compromise your safety or the safety of others – always have a plan for getting home and consider alternatives to driving if you’ve been drinking.”
The Police warning has sought to cover both home-viewing and the screening of games in bars and pubs, and is understood to be a pro-active move, rather than a response to any trouble.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham advised last week that plans were being drawn up for a big screen in St Helier for the knock-out stages of the tournament, which will start on 29 June.
Deputy Farnham said that while all games would be shown, it was particularly aimed at games involving “home” nations, citing England, Scotland, Poland and Portugal as teams likely to draw high levels of support from a Jersey audience.
Among the games likely to prove particularly popular over the coming days are tomorrow’s games between Poland and Austria (5pm) and Holland and France (8pm), the Turkey v Portugal clash on Saturday at 5pm, and Scotland’s encounter with Hungary on Sunday at 8pm.
