Prague prepares for England fans’ long weekend with ‘anti-conflict units’

• Six thousand England fans expected in Czech capital
• Police warn of zero tolerance for violation of local laws

Czech police have been put on high alert for the arrival of an estimated 6,000 English supporters here for Friday’s Euro 2020 qualifier between England and the Czech Republic, with preparations afoot to deploy anti-riot squads in the event of violent disorder.

With widespread fears of alcohol‑fuelled disturbances that could be exacerbated by the country’s reputation for cheap beer, an unprecedented number of officers – including special English‑speaking “anti-conflict units” – will patrol the capital’s tourist districts for a fixture designated as high risk. Criminal, traffic and helicopter units, along with police on horseback, will be on duty for a match that has already drawn an appeal from the England manager, Gareth Southgate, for fans to be on their best behaviour.

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Violent England fans an embarrassment to the team and not welcome, says FA

• Fans cause mayhem in Porto before Nations League game
• Police baton-charge supporters after bottles are hurled

The Football Association has condemned the England supporters who caused mayhem on the streets of Porto on Wednesday night as “an embarrassment to the team” – and says they are not welcome in football.

Two England fans were arrested after being baton-charged by police after hurling bottles at local supporters and police in a packed fan zone in Liberdade Square, and another was later arrested as more violence broke out.

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