Police have stepped up security across Atlanta as the city prepares to host England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The Atlanta police department said extra officers and resources had already been deployed around the city before Wednesday's match, with increased patrols planned around the Atlanta Stadium as well as entertainment districts and other high-traffic areas.
Increased Police Presence
The move comes as thousands of England and Argentina supporters descend on the city for the first World Cup knockout meeting between the nations since David Beckham's red card in England's dramatic last-16 exit in 1998. A statement from the Atlanta police department said: "As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture."
"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. These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event," the statement added.
England Fans Praised
Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire police, the UK's football policing lead, said the conduct of England fans at Saturday's quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami had again been "exemplary", with "no animosity between fans at the end of the match". He contrasted that with more than 500 reported incidents and more than 100 arrests across the UK during the same evening, most of them alcohol-related, and urged supporters watching Wednesday's match at home to follow the example set by fans travelling in the United States.
