Atlanta police increase security for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final

Increased security measures will be in place across Atlanta for England and Argentina ’s World Cup semi-final clash, given the history between the two nations. Wednesday’s semi-final will be the first time the teams have faced each other since 2005 and the first competitive match between the sides since the 2002 World Cup, meaning Lionel Messi has never faced the Three Lions until now. On the pitch, the countries share a storied rivalry, which really ignited during a controversial quarter-final clash in 1966, where Argentina captain Antonio Rattin refused to leave the pitch after being sent off, England boss Sir Alf Ramsey referred to the Argentine team as “animals” after the match and the 1-0 defeat is known as El robo del siglo (the theft of the century) in Argentina. Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal is one of the most controversial moments in football history (Getty) Twenty years later, Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal and ‘goal of the century’ knocked an infuriated England out of the 1986 World Cup before David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone in the 1998 tournament but earned a small measure of redemption four years later by scoring a penalty in a 1-0 group-stage win for the Three Lions over the South Americans. Meanwhile, away from the pitch, the 1982 Falklands War – where 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants and three civilians died – still looms large, especially in Argentina, and their players were filmed singing a chant referencing the Falklands following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16. Atlanta Police are aware of the historical tensions between the countries and confirmed security would duly be increased ahead of the last-four clash at Atlanta Stadium. In a statement, Atlanta Police said: “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming Fifa World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture. “Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. “These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.” Atlanta Police will be an increased presence ahead of the match (Getty) England fans have largely behaved well across North America this summer (PA) The UK Football Police Unit praised the behaviour of England supporters at this World Cup over the course of the first five weeks, and confirmed that as a result it will not deploy any further officers to assist with the semi-final. A spokesperson said: “As with all other games, officers from the UKFPU are working together with the of law enforcement agencies in Atlanta ahead of the semi-final match on Wednesday. “Following previous games and post-tournament planning there is a good working relationship with officers on all sides, all planning for a safe and trouble-free game. This is very much the pattern we have seen for England fans so far in the USA and Mexico, their behaviour has been exemplary. “We are not sending any more officers out from the UK however, those there have vast experience and will continue to work with fan groups and other agencies to ensure that fan safety and enjoyment is paramount.” While behaviour has been good at the World Cup itself, police have urged fans back home to follow their example after over 500 domestic football-related incidents around England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway on Saturday evening, with more than 100 arrests. England fans in the UK have been urged to behave themselves around the semi-final (PA Wire) Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, the UK’s football policing lead, said: “The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with no animosity between fans at the end of the match. “It’s a real shame that the same cannot be said about the behaviour of fans back home here in the UK. “Over Saturday evening, into the early hours of Sunday morning we had over 500 incidents reported, with more than 100 arrests across the country. “The vast majority of these incidents have been alcohol-related and along with the extended licensing hours, we have seen an increase in calls to premises with big screens that are attracting large numbers of fans. “This behaviour really is disappointing. Domestically this tournament is the worst one we have seen for number of incidents and arrests. If we can have 40,000 fans together in Miami with no trouble, then why can’t fans follow their exemplary behaviour and do the same back home? “England are in the semi-finals of the World Cup, the sun is shining and this should be a time for celebration and getting behind the team, not getting involved in fights and causing trouble for UK Policing which is already facing significant demand. “So ahead of Wednesday’s game I would urge fans back home to follow those leading by example in the US – enjoy the game and atmosphere, go out and have fun but do so without causing problems for yourselves and others.”