Exclusive: Police leave cancelled as World Cup clashes feared

TWO Yorkshire police forces have cancelled officers' leave next month to cope with potential disorder during the World Cup, as the spectre of hooliganism returns to haunt the English game.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2010, 10:11 BST
Updated 17th May 2010, 10:11 BST

Thousands of England fans are making their final preparations for a dream trip to South Africa for the World Cup finals starting on June 11.

But while the hopes of a nation will travel with them, police are being forced to make contingency plans to deal with violence on home soil.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both North Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Police have told officers they will be needed for any problems while matches are being screened live, and West Yorkshire Police is keeping the situation under review.

North Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable Sue Cross said: ""The plan has been put in place due to the potential for alcohol-related disorder during the tournament and in particular on the days when England are playing.

"To facilitate the plan, some rest days have been rescheduled in accordance with police regulations to enable the force to meet the demands of the World Cup and other events during that period.

"There have also been restrictions placed on the taking of annual leave for some dates during the tournament."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Andy Holt, her counterpart at South Yorkshire Police, said leave was being cancelled around specific dates in the latter stages of the tournament – covering England's potential quarter-final, semi-final and final fixtures, should the team progress that far.

On Saturday, police were forced to separate fans after a League One play-off semi-final match between Huddersfield Town and Millwall at the Galpharm Stadium. Three fans were arrested.

During the 2006 World Cup, police asked the BBC to halt broadcasts after fights.

Related topics:PoliceExclusiveYorkshireEnglandSouth Yorkshire PoliceNorth Yorkshire PoliceNorth Yorkshire