After a year’s delay due to the covid pandemic, the Euro 2020 football tournament kicks off tonight in Rome. London and Wembley Stadium in particular are a major host – as Wembley (pictured) is the venue for eight matches in all – including England group games, and the semi-finals, and the final on July 11.
The Met Police reports that it has besides Public Order officers, the Central Football Unit, Territorial Support Group and Project Servator, Mounted Branch, Dog Unit, Firearms Unit, Air Support, and the Marine Unit.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “The Euros is an internationally important event with its own unique policing needs and draws upon expertise right across the Met.
“We have a very experienced policing team in place and will be deploying a great many officers on the boroughs. We will also have a great many specialist units to prevent crime and disorder and respond effectively to any incidents or over-crowding.
“London remains in a public health crisis and we must all still take action to stick to government guidelines on social distancing and gatherings. Please, only come to London if you have a ticket for a match, fan zone or somewhere safe to watch the match. There are no alternative sites for fans to gather in large numbers and there are limited spaces in pubs and bars.
“I should also remind you that the terror threat remains at ‘substantial’. This means that an attack is likely and I am asking the public to play their part toward security by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity or behaviour to stewards, security staff or police officers. In an emergency always dial 999.
“Our policing plan also has a particular focus on tackling domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and hate crime – all of which are Met priorities. We will bring such offenders to account and support victims. We encourage anyone who is suffering at the hands of an abusive or violent partner, or knows someone who is, to call us on 101 or in an emergency 999.
“We want people to look out for each other and enjoy the Euros safely and securely. We are prepared and will be a highly visible and alert presence throughout.”
The authorities meanwhile are calling on football fans to only travel to London for Scotland’s UEFA Euro 2020 match against England if they have a ticket for the game or if they have arranged a safe place to watch it from. England are due to play Scotland at Wembley at 8pm on Friday, June 18.
