Atlanta police plan to keep apart England and Argentina fans over fear of violence

Police will try to keep apart rival fans in Atlanta’s bars amid increased security fears ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final with Argentina. Attempts are being made to designate bars and pubs in the city to either Argentina or England supporters to try to reduce the risk of violence. The attempt to segregate fans is being put in place at the last minute in a dawning realisation that the match risks being a tinderbox at an otherwise peaceful World Cup. Wednesday’s semi-final threatens to be the most incendiary of the tournament, given both the sporting rivalry and political history of the two countries. The Football Association will communicate the locations of the so-called “England-only” bars to fans through an official WhatsApp channel. But while police will do their best to keep rival supporters separate outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, there is no way of keeping them apart inside the ground. While England and Argentina have their own ends, thousands of tickets are being sold on the official Fifa resale site – and on other platforms – with no control over who is selling them or purchasing them. Extra police are also being deployed as the intense rivalry between the two sets of fans raises tensions. Supporters are not generally segregated at this World Cup, meaning England and Argentina supporters are able to mingle throughout the stadium concourses. Much of the seating is also mixed. Authorities in Atlanta are aware of the history between the two countries, including the Falklands conflict in 1982 and Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup. Despite the Falklands War being 44 years ago, the dispute over the territory remains bitterly divisive. Argentina players referred to the struggle for ‘Las Malvinas’ in victory celebrations after their last-16 victory over Egypt. They also paid tribute to Maradona, singing: “I’m Argentinian from cradle to grave. For Las Malvinas. For Diego.” Atlanta Police Department declined to go into details about the security operation but in a statement, a spokesman said: “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming Fifa World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its city-wide public safety and security posture.” The spokesman added: “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.” The spokesman said the “proactive measures” had been put in place “to protect the public” as well as “deter criminal activity” to ensure “visitors can safely enjoy this historic event”. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a capacity for 67,382 spectators with Argentina fans likely to outnumber England supporters – albeit not by much. Behaviour at this World Cup has been exemplary so far, but British embassy staff think this game presents the biggest security problem for England fans. As few as 15 have been arrested across the six matches England have played so far. Unverified videos have been circulating on social media showing alleged skirmishes between England and Argentina fans in Miami after England’s victory over Norway. Media outlets have been unable to authenticate those videos but the fact they have been posted widely will heighten tensions. One fan posting on an England supporters’ group said the match will have “some atmosphere”, adding: “They despise us, don’t they? The Falklands is their only war of modern times and it’s personal to them.” England fans see the game as “revenge” for Maradona’s cheating in 1986 – and his subsequent ‘goal of the century’ – which sent Bobby Robson’s side home. Nicolás Molina, 35, an Argentina fan who was celebrating his country’s victory over Switzerland, said: “The war was a long time ago. But you have to understand Las Malvinas is something that brings a lot of us together. Las Malvinas is Argentina’s. It must be in Argentina. You can say anything and we don’t care but this one issue is the only thing that matters.” Mexican authorities deployed 7,500 police for England’s last-16 meeting with the co-hosts at Azteca Stadium. But police and security forces were aware of problems at previous games in Mexico City. To date, US police have not had to deal with any major disorder at their games. The UK Football Police Unit praised the behaviour of England supporters at this World Cup over the course of the first five weeks, and confirmed that as a result it will not deploy any further officers to assist with the semi-final. A spokesperson said: “As with all other games, officers from the UKFPU are working together with the of law enforcement agencies in Atlanta ahead of the semi-final match on Wednesday. “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.” England fans will get an update on staying safe before Wednesday’s game from the official supporters’ group.