German police have sent a fresh warning to England fans ahead of Euro 2024 amid fears that they will sing songs about German aircraft and the RAF in the streets of Germany.
On Monday night during England's clash with Bosnia & Herzegovina, videos surfaced of England fans belting out the infamous ‘Ten German Bombers' song on the concourse at St James' Park.
The song is distasteful at best, particularly as it is predominantly sung by fans far too young to possibly comprehend the brutality of war.
The lyrics to the song effectively tell the story of the RAF shooting down German fighter jets in World War Two and German police would like to avoid the song making its way over to the country this summer for obvious reasons.
And the RAF from England… 🏴 pic.twitter.com/FkuXLqw7EK
— England Football Fans (@EnglidsAway) June 3, 2024
Although the police accept that anyone singing the song in Germany wouldn't be breaking any laws, they have sent the following warning to England fans:
“Please don't be a d***. If they sing a song like this, I can't change it. It's not punishable in Germany. I hope that all the other peaceful and law-abiding fans say to them: ‘Stop it.'
“I know, and all people in Germany know, there is a long-lasting sporting rivalry between England and Germany. But it's important for me to say it's only a sporting one. Our countries have been, and remain, allies for over seven decades.”
German police warn England fans about nazi salutes
While the Ten German Bombers' song isn't going to be welcome at Euro 2024, one thing that would be far worse would be nazi salutes.
England fans have been found guilty of using the gesture at previous tournaments, and on previous trips to Germany, so it isn't out of the realm of possibility that similar incidents will occur this summer.
Speaking to the Telegraph, German Police Chief, Peter Both has confirmed that any fans who do make the solute or any other nazi-related gestures in Germany will be prosecuted. He said:
“If we talk about showing the Hitler salute, it's absolutely unbearable and intolerable. We have to tell them (England fans) it's punishable and criminal in Germany.”
It isn't the first time that England fans have been served warnings in the build-up to Euro 2024. They have been told to be wary of the strong beer in Germany by the UK Foreign Office and also warned by German officials that they will be marched to local banks to pay fines if they break any public order laws.