Up to 5,000 England supporters are expected to make the trip across the Irish Sea for the Nations League clash. There are concerns about the amount of alcohol that will be consumed before the 5pm kick-off. Emotions will be running high as the match falls on the eve of the first anniversary of the Queen’s death. Extra officers will be brought in and security around the game at the Aviva Stadium will be tight.
Police ‘spotters’ will travel from England, and strict protocols will be in place regarding ticketing. The Three Lions have not played the Republic of Ireland (ROI) in Dublin since 2015. Prior to that friendly, the FA issued a warning to traveling England fans, urging them not to incite trouble with anti-IRA songs. The game nine years ago occurred two decades after the clash in 1995, which had to be abandoned after 27 minutes due to rioting from England fans in the stand.
Despite considerable improvements in anti-social behavior since then, the conduct of England fans will still be under severe scrutiny this time around.
