Benidorm Brit tells of ‘huge police turnout’ as England get nearer to Euros closing
A British bloke living in Benidorm issued a stark warning for what could be on the horizon if England beat the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Nigel Pope, also known as the ‘King of Benidorm’, has lived in the sunny seaside hotspot for seven years now. He’s even built up a collective 70,000 TikTok followers for being in the know with all things Costa Blanca.
The all-seeing and all-knowing Cornish native, who also works behind a bar, has been observing the atmosphere between Spanish and England fans throughout the tournament.
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With Spain knocking out France last night to secure a place in Sunday’s (July 14) final and with England are ready to clash with the Netherlands this evening (Wednesday, July 10), Nigel revealed that tensions are rising in Benidorm.
![Nigel](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33209520.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_IMG-20230308-WA0002jpeg.jpg)
(Image: Nigel Pope)
The possibility of an England and Spain final is looking more realistic – and so is trouble between the fans who have congregated across bars in Benidorm.
Ahead of the semi-final tonight, Nigel exclusively told us: “I have noticed a very big increase in the amount of police here in Benidorm over the last few days.
“Many are walking around on foot so hopefully that will help stop any problems that might arise
“There are always areas in the New Town where most of the English tend to drink, I hope that most fans know that you don’t mess with the Spanish police.
“I have heard of one incident where half a dozen English fans were throwing their drinks about, but not seen or heard of any violence.”
We previously reported that England fans flew out in their droves to Benidorm so they could enjoy the Euros with cheaper pints and better weather. So far, Nigel admitted that the atmosphere has been “amazing” – but some fans have got a bit too carried away.
![England fans](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33209540.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/3_Fans-watching-England-v-Switzerland-UEFA-Euro-2024.jpg)
(Image: PA)
After England’s 0-0 draw vs Slovenia on June 25, fans started singing a controversial chant ‘Ten German Bombers’ and riled up a Benidorm local. The driver then attacked the Three Lions supporters by attempting to drive his car through them, before being halted by the group.
He then got out of the car where a short brawl ensued, ultimately causing the singing England fans to flee.
Other than that and reports of drinks being thrown, Nigel is not aware of any tensions between the Spanish and English in Benidorm – and he hopes it stays that way should they meet in the final.
He continued: “I do hope England win tonight obviously as I think it would make the final more electric in Benidorm and I would hope that there wouldn’t be any trouble.
“The only problem I see is that because it’s being played so late in the day, 9pm here, a lot of alcohol is going to be consumed by then.
“So I would expect a larger amount of police at the ready, but as the Spanish supporters will mainly be in Old Town and Poniente and the English in the New Town, hopefully there won’t be too much trouble between supporters.
![Spain fans](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33209551.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/3_Spain-v-France-UEFA-Euro-2024-Semi-Final-Munich-Football-Arena.jpg)
(Image: PA)
“I am looking forward to the atmosphere as you can feel it as you are walking around or sitting and listening to the buzz.”
Nigel admitted that there’s a ‘Mexican wave’ of boos and cheers coming from different bars. But fans are getting on well and are proudly draping their country’s flag around themselves.
He just hopes that the camaraderie of the fans can continue.
Nigel said: “The atmosphere has actually been amazing! When England were playing the other night, because the bars are mostly concentrated in one area, you could hear the cheers and boos.
“It was strange as it was almost like a Mexican wave as there was obviously a delay on some of them.
“Benidorm is full of English and Spanish Fans and the bars have been buzzing. It’s really has been a great atmosphere so far, I hope it continues…”