German police recommend football fans smoke cannabis instead of alcohol at Euros

German police recommend football fans smoke cannabis instead of alcohol at Euros

German police have issued an unconventional suggestion to football fans ahead of Euro 2024, encouraging them to smoke cannabis instead of consuming alcohol to maintain calm and prevent violence.

The recommendation comes amidst preparations for England’s opening game against Serbia, where tensions and security concerns are high due to historical hooliganism from both sides. According to The Sun, Gelsenkirchen police spokesperson expressed a preference for fans to smoke cannabis, stating it makes individuals “calmer” and “chilled out” compared to alcohol, which can lead to aggression.

“It’s no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street,” the spokesperson reportedly told The Sun. “If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we’ll look at the group drinking alcohol.”

Germany recently legalized cannabis for personal use, aligning with several other countries that have taken similar steps to regulate its consumption. The new law permits cultivation and limited personal use of the drug, aimed at regularizing the behavior of the estimated 4.5 million Germans who use cannabis.

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Despite the relaxed stance on cannabis, restrictions will apply during Euro 2024 events. Smoking cannabis inside venues like the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena and in designated fan zones will be prohibited. Fans are also urged not to smoke in bars or city squares during the tournament.

Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt highlighted the significant security challenges surrounding England’s opening game, citing the histories of hooliganism on both sides. “Serbia has many hooligans. The English guys, with alcohol, they are very aggressive,” Burghardt explained to Sky News, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation to prevent disturbances.

“Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent — that’s why we have safety precautions in place on alcohol,” the police spokesperson reiterated, underscoring efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful environment during the tournament.

As Euro 2024 approaches, authorities in Germany are intensifying efforts to identify and manage potential threats from disruptive groups, aiming to separate them from law-abiding fans to maintain public order and safety.

German police recommend football fans smoke cannabis instead of alcohol at Euros