UEFA hails ‘fantastic’ Euro 2004 but is taking nothing for granted

By Tony Mallett

Date: 24/06/04

EUROPEAN soccer's governing body UEFA says that, despite isolated incidents of football hooliganism during Euro 2004 in Portugal, "touch wood, we are very pleased so far".

William Gaillard, spokesman for the tournament organizers, told European Voice: "It's been fantastic and we're very pleased."

Speaking ahead of tonight's (24 June) quarter-final match between hosts Portugal and England, some of whose fans have been sent back to the UK after allegedly rioting in the Algarve, Gaillard said that UEFA had been more worried about potential trouble before, during and after the England match against France during the tournament's opening weekend.

On the England fans in general, notorious troublemakers down the years - notably in Charleroi, Belgium, during Euro 2000 - the UEFA spokesman said: "Everything has worked out well. There have been some incidents far away from the football in the Algarve. But that happens all summer long.

"The Portuguese police have been very firm and come down hard on offenders. Meanwhile, the UK police have done their job over the past decade. Things such as travel bans have paid off."

Galliard expressed concern at a growing tendency for certain countries' fans to boo the opposing team's national anthems.

"We're slightly worried about the English, Croatians, the Italians - a little bit - and the Spanish doing this.

"I have issued a warning to the football associations to remind their fans to behave. Possible fines could fall on their heads over the matter."

Croatian fans have also come under investigation for waving racist banners. "We are still investigating this," said Gaillard, "UEFA doesn't take these matters lightly."

Asked about the difference in anti-terrorism methods since the last tournament, which preceded the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, Gaillard confirmed that security had been stepped up. Portugal had even temporarily dismantled the EU's Schengen agreement and reintroduced border controls, he said.

But tough security arrangements were "routine these days," he added. "We're used to high security for Champions League games and we take nothing for granted."