The Atlanta Police Department says it will “enhance” its “citywide public safety and security posture” ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.
There is a long-standing historical tension between the two countries, stemming from the 1982 Falklands War, and videos have already circulated online of England and Argentina supporters clashing in Miami — where England played its World Cup quarter-final against Norway — over the weekend.
And for arguably the most high-risk match at the World Cup, the APD is stepping up its efforts to ensure it passes without issue.
“As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semifinal match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture,” the APD statement to The Athletic read.
“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
Fans of Argentine club River Plate displayed an anti-UK flag relating to the Falkland Islands during a match in April. (Alejandro Pagni / AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom will not be sending any additional police officers to the United States ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
A mobile delegation unit, which is being led by superintendent Gareth Parkin and consists of two other officers, has been in the U.S. throughout the tournament to assist local authorities and England fans.
“As with all other games, officers from the UKPU are working together with the of law enforcement agencies in Atlanta ahead of the semi-final match on Wednesday,” a UKFPU spokesperson told The Athletic.
“Following previous games and post-tournament planning there is a good working relationship with officers on all sides, all planning for a safe and trouble-free game.
“This is very much the pattern we have seen for England fans so far in the USA and Mexico, their behaviour has been exemplary.
“We are not sending any more officers out from the UK however, those there have vast experience and will continue to work with fan groups and other agencies to ensure that fan safety and enjoyment is paramount.”
As has been common throughout the World Cup, supporters from both teams are not segregated inside the stadium — unlike in most European and South American soccer competitions.
Each national association receives a set allocation of tickets behind the goal for every fixture, although there is nothing in place that prevents supporters from both sides who do not have a ticket in those specific sections from sitting together.
Although they would not comment specifically about whether any additional protocols will be implemented for the semi-final in Atlanta, FIFA told The Athletic “comprehensive and robust security arrangements will be in place for all remaining matches.”
“There have been no major incidents, and this spirit of unity and respect is something FIFA expects to continue,” a FIFA spokesperson added.
Although the behaviour of England fans attending the World Cup has been described as “outstanding” by Mark Roberts, chief constable of the UKFPU, he wants to see it replicated domestically.
This comes after more than 500 incidents were reported following England’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway on Saturday, with more than 100 people arrested, according to the UKFPU.
The match kicked off at 10pm BST (5pm ET), with the final whistle after extra time blown around 12.45am in England. UK pubs were permitted by the Home Office to stay open for the duration of the match and up to 30 minutes after full-time.
Roberts said that most of the incidents were “alcohol-related.”
“The behaviour of the England fans in the U.S. and Mexico has been outstanding throughout this tournament, and Saturday night was no different,” Roberts said in a media release.
“The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with no animosity between fans at the end of the match.
“It’s a real shame that the same cannot be said about the behaviour of fans back home here in the UK. Over Saturday evening, into the early hours of Sunday morning we had over 500 incidents reported, with more than 100 arrests across the country.
“The vast majority of these incidents have been alcohol-related and along with the extended licensing hours, we have seen an increase in calls to premises with big screens that are attracting large numbers of fans. This behaviour really is disappointing. Domestically, this tournament is the worst one we have seen for number of incidents and arrests.
“If we can have 40,000 fans together in Miami with no trouble, then why can’t fans follow their exemplary behaviour and do the same back home?”
“Ahead of Wednesday’s game, I would urge fans back home to follow those leading by example in the US — enjoy the game and atmosphere, go out and have fun but do so without causing problems for yourselves and others.”
