This year’s World Cup has been more peaceful so far than any tournament in recent memory. The infamous hooliganism and violence that plagued the sport in the 1980s and 1990s has been almost entirely absent.
But with arch-rivals England and Argentina set to face off in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, host city Atlanta is taking no chances. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) has ramped up security across the city ahead of the match.
This will be the last of seven World Cup matches held at Atlanta Stadium. APD said additional police and security personnel have been deployed throughout the city for the fixture, a measure taken to ensure a safe and seamless experience for spectators.
In a statement, the APD said, “Security plans are regularly reviewed for major events like this one. Necessary adjustments are being made as the situation evolves, so that everyone can enjoy the World Cup in a safe environment.”
Although there have been no major incidents of violence at this World Cup so far, authorities are unwilling to take any chances given the long-standing rivalry between England and Argentina. As a result, around 1,600 police personnel will be responsible for security at the match.
Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandro Monteoliva said a security meeting was held in the United States on Monday. According to him, for the first time at this World Cup, fans of the two teams will be directed into the stadium through separate entrances.
However, due to FIFA’s ticket sales policy, it will not be possible to fully separate fans once inside the stadium.
The APD also said it is coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other security agencies, though it declined to disclose specific security strategies or risk-assessment details.
Historical Rivalry
England and Argentina share a long history of footballing rivalry. The two teams have met five times at the World Cup, with several of those matches notable for their controversy.
The rivalry deepened after the two nations fought a war over the Falkland Islands (known as the Islas Malvinas in Argentina) in 1982, a conflict that claimed 907 lives.
Monteoliva said no flags, banners or posters carrying political messages related to the sovereignty of the Falkland or Malvinas Islands would be permitted inside the stadium, and that politically or racially inflammatory messages would also be prohibited.
Message to England Fans
While England fans were once notoriously labeled “hooligans” in international football, that image has changed considerably in recent years.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) said in a statement that England fans across North America have “enhanced the reputation of the country,” adding that “old negative perceptions no longer represent them.”
The organization has called on fans to behave responsibly toward one another, uphold the country’s dignity, and once again demonstrate why England supporters are considered among the best in the world.
