Football fans proved they could party within the law
AS football fever is gripping the nation ahead of Tuesday’s clash with arch rivals Germany, we look back at the excitement which surrounded the 2002 World Cup.
Football fans in the area hit the headlines in June of that year, but for all the right reasons.
Burton fans proved they could behave compared to fellow supporters across Staffordshire.
Following England’s 3-0 victory over Denmark on June 15 to progress to the quarter finals of the contest, the police were quick to praise Burton supporters.
They said supporters in the brewing capital of Britain were top of the table when it came to celebrating the progress of “Sven’s men” in Japan and Korea.
Hanley in Stoke on Trent was the latest town in the area to suffer serious football-related public disorder, with more than 20 arrests and an elderly passer-by hospitalised during yobbish reaction to England’s victory over Denmark.
Stafford, Lichfield and Tamworth were also hit by public order problems around pubs and clubs after England matches.
However, in Burton and Swadlincote there had been just one arrest connected to England’s matches.
Police said that while fans in Burton town centre had been boisterous and in high spirits, celebrations were in the main good natured, with keeping traffic flowing the main policing issue as jubilant fans danced in the streets.
Businesses and schools put together plans to allow employees to watch the quarter-final tie against Brazil.
Speaking at the time, Steve Carter of Toyota UK at Burnaston said the game would be shown on 11 giant screens in the car plant’s three restaurant areas and visitor centre.
He said: “The working day will be rescheduled accordingly. We need a bit of flexibility should it go to golden goal or penalties.”
Meanwhile, George Crossley, headteacher at William Allitt School in Newhall, said pupils would be able to watch the game before lessons on a big screen or on televisions in classrooms.
Unfortunately, England lost the game 2-1 and exited the contest.