Warning to fans over laws in Latvia
The Home Office has warned Northern Ireland fans travelling to the upcoming away match in Latvia to be aware of the zero-tolerance policy of the state police.
The Green and White Army has been told that the former Soviet Republic will not look kindly on the particular brand of Ulster revelry that has won its members friends across Europe.
Supporters of the national team were last year named the best fans in Europe but that title is set to hold little sway with the hardline attitude of police officers in the Latvian capital Riga.
The Home Office has told the 2,000 fans travelling to next Saturday's game they will not be able to gather in large numbers in any public square in the city – a long- standing tradition for supporters.
Drinking on the streets is banned and any infraction could result in arrest.
The advice to any supporter who decides to relieve himself behind the nearest bush is "think again" – if you're caught you could end up in jail.
Gary McAllister of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs said it was important to strike a balance between scaring fans and making them aware of the potential pitfalls.
"We are going out with 2,000 fans and we want to come home with 2,000 fans," he said.
"Tens of thousands of tourists go there every year and have a very enjoyable visit. We want that to be the same with our fans.
"But we also need to make people aware of local customs and local laws. Different countries have different laws."
The amalgamation has teamed up with the IFA, the Home Office and the PSNI to produce an advice leaflet for travelling supporters.
The 12th Man Guide will provide tips on customs and practices in all the countries Northern Ireland is set to play in the future.
"Northern Ireland fans have earned a great reputation and one that is well- deserved," said Mr McAllister.
"We don't want to endanger that because fans aren't aware of the laws in Latvia.
"In most cases the police are very accommodating in the countries we visit. For instance, in Austria, Denmark and Liechtenstein they allocated us a square in which to meet up, have a few drinks and build up a carnival atmosphere before marching to the game, which has become a bit of a tradition of late.
"In Latvia they are not going to allow that.
"It's very important that we, as travelling supporters, don't flout these laws."
Mr McAllister said fans in Riga should also agree prices before buying anything such as a round of drinks or a taxi fare.
"Some football fans travelling with other countries have had bad experiences," he said.
"We've heard of supporters being stung with extortionate bills."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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