Let’s stay onside as England gear up for semi-final match

As England’s footballers get ready for their crucial semi-final game against Argentina in the World Cup tonight (Wednesday), police have praised football fans’ behaviour during the competition so far.

West Mercia Police have had plans in place throughout the men’s tournament being hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, with resources being redirected at key times in towns and cities across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

So far there have been no significant issues to report as the team has progressed to the last four for only the fourth time in their history.

And we are urging supporters to stay onside with their good conduct tonight and at the weekend, whether it be in the third-place play-off on Saturday or hopefully in the final on Sunday.

Extra officers have been allocated to cover the match against Argentina tonight as bars and pubs gear up for another busy night, and we are encouraging everyone to enjoy the game but to know their limits, look out for their mates and stay safe.

Even if you can’t see them, our officers will be around making sure everyone is safe and can enjoy the game, including working with our partners.

As part of the force’s response to the World Cup, we have also been taking part in the national campaign aimed at preventing and tackling domestic abuse during the tournament.

Data from the National Centre for Domestic Violence revealed that incidents involving domestic abuse increase by 26% when England play and 38% when England lose.

The data also shows that domestic abuse increases by 11% the day after England have played dependent on the result but support is out there.

Chief Inspector Tom Rance from Force Operations said: “The World Cup has already seen many busy nights in pubs and bars across the West Mercia Police force area as football fans have enjoyed the matches so far.

“We're pleased to report those games have not attracted any significant police incidents and we hope that continues as England take on Argentina in the semi-final.

“We want everyone to remember this occasion for all the right reasons which is why you can expect to see extra police officers patrolling our towns and city centres while the England match is on.

“Even if you can’t see them, our officers will be there, keeping an eye out and helping keep the public safe, including our usual work with partner agencies.

“We can’t control the result, but everyone can play their part by knowing their limits of alcohol, watching out for their mates, and calling out any potentially criminal or antisocial behaviour.

“We are aware too that, sadly, domestic violence can increase during big games like this, so we want people to know support is out there if you are subjected to such behaviour in line with West Mercia Police’s commitment to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) .”