Nuno
06-11-2004, 10:54 AM
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004270693,00.html
From NICK PARKER in Portugal
ENGLAND fans will be allowed to smoke dope before Sunday’s crunch clash with France — to keep them calm.
Cops in Lisbon plan to crack down on drunk supporters while turning a blind eye to those spotted puffing on a spliff.
Pot-smoking fans have been assured they will not be arrested, cautioned — or even have their drugs confiscated.
Last night experts said the Portuguese police’s “Here We Blow” policy would reduce chances of a punch-up between rival fans.
Alan Buffry of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance said: “If people are drinking they lose control, if they smoke cannabis they don’t.
“Alcohol makes fans fight. But cannabis smokers will be shaking hands and singing along together.”
Dutch police used a similar policy in Euro 2000 and England’s hooligan element were too stoned to fight.
A Lisbon police spokeswoman said: “If people cause a problem through drugs and become a menace then police will take action. But when this doesn’t happen why should the police be the ones makin
g the fuss?”
More than 600 officers will be on duty for England’s opening group game at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light.
Fans who seem to be drunk may be breath-tested and refused entry.
From NICK PARKER in Portugal
ENGLAND fans will be allowed to smoke dope before Sunday’s crunch clash with France — to keep them calm.
Cops in Lisbon plan to crack down on drunk supporters while turning a blind eye to those spotted puffing on a spliff.
Pot-smoking fans have been assured they will not be arrested, cautioned — or even have their drugs confiscated.
Last night experts said the Portuguese police’s “Here We Blow” policy would reduce chances of a punch-up between rival fans.
Alan Buffry of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance said: “If people are drinking they lose control, if they smoke cannabis they don’t.
“Alcohol makes fans fight. But cannabis smokers will be shaking hands and singing along together.”
Dutch police used a similar policy in Euro 2000 and England’s hooligan element were too stoned to fight.
A Lisbon police spokeswoman said: “If people cause a problem through drugs and become a menace then police will take action. But when this doesn’t happen why should the police be the ones makin
g the fuss?”
More than 600 officers will be on duty for England’s opening group game at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light.
Fans who seem to be drunk may be breath-tested and refused entry.