England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 next year, and locals have warned that yobs won’t be tolerated in a city where thousands are packing firearms
England football fans have been told to “show respect” when they visit the USA for next year’s FIFA World Cup. Supporters visiting Dallas for the Three Lions’ first game against Croatia have been warned to behave themselves – or things could “escalate very quickly”.
England yobs have marred tournaments in the past including the France 98 World Cup, and the Euros final at Wembley in 2021. But there will be zero tolerance of hooliganism in the Texas city, where nearly half of residents reportedly own guns.
Paul Limpitlaw is an ex-pat England fan now living in Dallas. He says locals are well within their rights to use their firearms if they feel threatened by yobs.
The Aston Villa supporter told The Sun: “It’s going to be a fantastic football party, but anyone thinking of coming to cause trouble should think again.
“I’m among the many thousands of people who carry licensed firearms here and locals are perfectly entitled to defend themselves if threatened by troublemakers.
“I don’t expect England fans to kick off large-scale trouble here, but they should know that situations could escalate very quickly if they do.”
Paul has bought into US gun culture after he was the victim of an attempted mugging 15 years ago. The US citizen has a £75,000 arsenal of weapons which he uses on shooting ranges and hunting trips, including Glock and Sig pistols, assault rifles and an AK-47 Kalashnikov.
Texas was the US state with the highest number of registered weapons in 2024, according to Statista, with 1,136,732 firearms.
Gun store spokesman Bryan Rastok the prevalence of firearms meant people were less likely to cause trouble, telling The Sun: “If you threaten people here, there’s a chance you’re gonna get shot.”
Dallas Police assistant chief Mark Villarreal says the city’s law enforcement officers are “ready” for any hooligans and have “rapid response teams on standby”.
He added: “England fans will have nothing to fear and will have a great time, provided they behave themselves and show respect.”
Meanwhile, England and Scotland fans will be able to drink beer in their seats while watching the Three Lions at next summer’s World Cup.
Football’s governing body FIFA told the Daily Star it will not be adopting the ‘no boozing’ rule that has applied in Britain for the past 40 years for the tournament jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
Fans of Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will also be hoping to make it as those nations are involved in qualifying play-offs.
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