The Ugly Consequences of the Beautiful Game

Published June 8, 2016 at 15:19

England, Wales and Northern Ireland will take part in the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament in France. The competition begins on Friday 10 June 2016 and will run until Sunday 10 July 2016.

This is the first time that three home nations have made a major competition since 1958 and will see millions of people watching the matches across the UK and in France.

Research shows that major football tournaments increase community safety risks with notable spikes in domestic abuse, alcohol-related violent crime; criminal damage; anti-social behaviour and drink/drug driving.

These increases tend to be most prevalent when the England Team is knocked out of tournaments and after the tournament finals.

Lancashire Constabulary will be running a safety campaign throughout the Euro’s raising awareness of; domestic abuse, alcohol related crime, drink and drug driving.

Enjoy the matches. Lancashire Constabulary is well prepared for Euro 2016; and planned operations are in place to mitigate any threats of crime and disorder. The potential ‘ugly consequences of the beautiful game’ are simply not worth it.

Nationally there is an increase of 25%-30% in the reporting of domestic abuse during sporting tournaments, particularly football. We would urge anyone who thinks they may be a victim to have the confidence to come forward and report it safe in the knowledge that there is a wide range of support and help available here in Lancashire. Those concerned can contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Help and support is also available through Lancashire Victims Service by calling 0300 323 0085.

Drinking so much that you can’t think clearly makes you vulnerable and more likely to become a victim of crime, be injured or be involved in violence.

Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘Fatal 4’ that persist in causing death and serious injury. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t take drugs and drive. Drink driving and drug driving wrecks lives. Not only could you kill someone, you could lose your job, livelihood and be sent to prison.