Mexico fans set off fireworks and flares near the England squad’s hotel overnight in an attempt to keep them awake ahead of the World Cup clash. Hundreds of footy fanatics gathered at the hotel where the England team are staying, with videos on social media showing fans banging drums and playing trumpets to make as much noise as possible. The World Cup match between the two countries is scheduled to kick-off at the high-altitude Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico at 1am on Monday UK time.
Similar disruption against Ecuador
This is not the first time fans in Mexico’s capital have been seen trying to disrupt the sleep of a visiting team. On Tuesday, Ecuador submitted an official complaint after fireworks, music, motorbikes, loudspeakers and car horns were let off outside their hotel the night before the match. Ecuador ended up losing to the Mexican national team 2-0 after the match was delayed due to thunder and lightning.
England’s preparations and security
The England team are said to have been anticipating the noisy fans and are believed to have brought their own earplugs and sleep bands for their two-night stay in Mexico City. A total of 17,000 police officers are set to be deployed in Mexico City on Sunday for the match scheduled for 6pm local time. It is understood 7,500 of those officers will be stationed at the Azteca. The Sunday Telegraph reports the deployment is the biggest security operation ever seen for an England football match.
Kick-off time controversy
Originally the game between the two sides was scheduled for 1am on the Monday morning. However due to fears surrounding a thunderstorm it was suggested kick-off should be brought forwards by six hours. The change would have seen the match start at noon over in Mexico and 7pm in the UK. Regardless of the idea to shift the match’s start time, the game's kick-off remains at 1am Monday morning – much to England fans' disappointment. The biggest factor in the frantic discussions to move the start time of the match was the Mexican government, the Sun reports.
Previous tragedy prompts security concerns
At Mexico’s previous match against Ecuador four people were killed after police failed to keep control of fans leading to a fatal crowd crush. Due to the previous tragedy senior Mexican officials contacted Fifa and on Thursday they discussed avoiding another tragedy similar to the one which occurred previously against Ecuador.
