You are in > manchester.com  > News > England friendly hooligan threat

General Sports News

England friendly hooligan threat

15/10/2005

England's friendly against Argentina in Geneva will go ahead despite fears that the game could become a magnet for hooligans as Turkey are playing Switzerland 100 miles away on the same night.

The FA had arranged for the lucrative game against the South Americans to be played in Geneva on November 12th if England qualified automatically for the World Cup.

However, Friday's draw for the World Cup play-offs paired Switzerland with Turkey, with the second leg to be played in Berne on the same night, less than 100 miles away from England's friendly.

The nightmare scenario for the FA would see English and Turkish fans clashing, as previous meetings have produced deadly violence.

Back in 2000, two Leeds fans were stabbed to death in Istanbul when fans clashed before Leeds' Champions League tie with Galatasaray.

Then in 2003, when England played Turkey in a Euro 2004 qualifier at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, there were ugly clashes between fans before the game.

The FA have stated that the game in the 29,800 capacity Stade de Geneve will go ahead unless there is specific security worries raised by the Swiss authorities.

The game is seen as very important by the FA as it provides England with high-quality opposition before the World Cup and is a big money-spinner for the FA, who are set to earn more than £2m from the game.

© Adfero Ltd