Police praise Euro 2012 supporters

POLICE have praised football fans’ behaviour after an ‘encouraging’ start to Euro 2012 from supporters in North Somerset and Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has reported a trouble-free kick-off to the tournament from fans and police have stressed they want the trend to continue.

Only two football-related incidents have been reported across the force’s area, as well as one at a licensed premises – and all were minor and did not result in arrests.

Police have also been on the lookout for any increase in domestic abuse, but only one incident was reported and no injuries sustained or arrests made.

Officers reiterated their warning that antisocial or violent offenders will be handed a football banning order, preventing them from attending matches as well as limiting them from going abroad during major tournaments.

Force football officer Roger Thayer said: “This has been an encouraging start to Euro 2012 and we hope fans in Avon and Somerset who are following the fortunes of England and other teams remain well-behaved and any banter between supporters remains good natured and friendly.”