Interesting Response to Soccer Hooligans

[Spud]

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 making 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.

Food for thought.

%-}

 

[tshadowchaser]

Will the fans remember they saw the game?
It is an interesting idea but here in the States it would be so illegal and would need much political debate befor ever being considered.
Hope they dont drive to the game .I'd hate to think what 100000 drivers who where high would be like on the street at the same time in the same area.

 

[Touch Of Death]

Probably not much different from 100,000 drunk and pissed off drivers that would be there anyway. HMMMM?
Sean
PS good segue for the dangers of alchohol to the martial artist (www.kenpo2000.com) article on first page.

 

[theletch1]

Dude, I bet the profits from the concession stands will be throught the roof. :uhyeah:

 

[Andi]

Don't worry, nobody will be driving there from England, they'll all be getting the plane and then sitting in the pub nearest to the ground for a few days. Anyway, our fans are the best behaved fans there are.

 

[Spud]

Will the fans remember they saw the game?
It is an interesting idea but here in the States it would be so illegal and would need much political debate befor ever being considered.
Hope they dont drive to the game .I'd hate to think what 100000 drivers who where high would be like on the street at the same time in the same area.

I think it is illegal in Lisbon, but the cops are doing selective enforcement i.e. ignoring the smoking, because the problem with alcohol & corresponding violence is greater. Sounds like decriminalization for the weekend only.

I like the thought about the concession stands getting plenty of traffic, the men's room line will probably be shorter too!

An aside, anyone care to wager on the number of arrests in Detroit if the Pistons win the NBA championship? :apv: