Police in Tenerife are to launch a major security operation to prevent possible violence during the big World Cup showdown between England and Wales this evening (Tuesday, November 29).
It follows video footage which emerged of a brawl outside bars on the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands last Friday, with people wearing England and Wales shirts involved. UK police fear fans prevented from travelling to Qatar may have been involved in the incident in Tenerife, but have yet to confirm this.
More than 1,300 people subject to football banning orders were forced to hand their UK passports to police in a bid to prevent violent and abusive fans in England and Wales travelling to Qatar. Those wishing to travel to other countries from November 10 until the end of the tournament have been required to seek permission to hold on to their passports and be subject to checks, according to the Home Office.
A statement issued by the local council in Tenerife said Friday’s fight in the tourist area is under investigation. It added the National Police Corps and Local Police of Arona are working together to prevent “possible riots” in the tourist areas of Arona when World Cup matches take place, adding this will include England v Wales.
Chief constable Mark Roberts, the UK’s football policing lead, told the PA news agency: “Sadly I think the Spanish police are pretty used to dealing with unpleasant drunkenness from holidaying Brits so I don’t think it’s anything out of the ordinary.
“If it hadn’t been World Cup time it would have probably happened and no-one would have batted an eyelid. It’s unfortunate but it’s that link again between alcohol and poor behaviour.”
Mr Roberts praised England and Wales fans in Qatar and confirmed there have been no arrests.
The match, which kicks off at 7pm UK time, will see Wales knocked out of the World Cup unless an unlikely series of results go their way. England are almost certain to qualify for the knockout stages, which would be confirmed by at least a draw.
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