England fans encouraged to smoke cannabis by German police ahead of Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
England fans have been encouraged to smoke cannabis by German police ahead of their Euro 2024 clash with Serbia
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It's well known that, when it comes to drinking alcohol, England fans have a bit of a reputation abroad.
And with supporters of the Three Lions set to be given low-alcohol beer prior to their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday night, German police have now reportedly encouraged fans to smoke cannabis instead.
Authorities in Germany are keen to ensure everyone behaves themselves, whether they're watching in the stands or from the fan zones around the country.
They certainly want England followers to be on their best behaviour, with Three Lions fans infamously causing chaos at Wembley during the final of the European Championships back in 2021.
England fans have been encouraged to smoke cannabis by German police ahead of their Euro 2024 clash with Serbia
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England will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, the home of Schalke 04.
And The Sun say Gelsenkirchen police would prefer for England fans to smoke cannabis than drink.
It's claimed police think it would make them 'calmer', with cannabis known to have a relaxing effect on those who consume it.
A Gelsenkirchen Police spokesman reportedly told newspaper: "It's no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street.
"If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we'll look at the group drinking alcohol.
"Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood.
"We want to prevent violence and keep people safe.
"Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent — that's why we in place safety precautions on alcohol."
Cannabis remains banned in the United Kingdom.
But Germany, on April 1 this year, joined the growing list of countries who have legalised the drug for personal use.
They made the decision after it was established than 4.5 million Germans use cannabis in some way.
Cultivating up to three plants for private consumption and owning up to 25 grams has been legalised.
Yet while that's the case, supporters in the stadium of the Veltins Arena won't be allowed to smoke instead.
Fans will also be prevented from lighting up in the fan zones around the ground as well.
German police have also asked fans to refrain from smoking weed in bars or city squares, too.
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Germany, on April 1 this year, joined the growing list of countries who have legalised cannabis for personal use.
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Meanwhile, speaking earlier this week, Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt said England's clash with Serbia had been deemed a 'high risk' fixture.
"I think it's a very high-risk game because of the history, because of the hooligans both sides have," Burghardt told Sky News.
"Serbia has many hooligans. The English guys, with alcohol, they are very aggressive.
"So it's a great job to do this, to prepare, so that hopefully nothing will happen."
He added: "The biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans."
England will be hoping to beat Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday
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England previously faced Serbia & Montenegro back in the summer of 2003.
They won 2-1 that day due to goals from Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, who were playing for Liverpool and West Ham respectively at the time.