Is it coming home? Police urge caution as tensions run high over England semi-finals

By Claire Dukes - 10 July 2018

PoliticsCrimeCommunitySport

Swindon will sleep restlessly tonight, and not just because of the summer heat - for the first time since 1990 England are in the World Cup Semi Finals

But Wiltshire Police are reminding everyone to act responsibly amidst the football festivities.

With Harry Maguire and Dele Alli securing the team's 2-0 win against Sweden, England have achieved their place in the semi-finals tomorrow against Croatia.

As excitement runs high Wiltshire Police have urged caution to football fans across the town, after incidents of aggressive behaviour broke out during the Belgium match. During the game a West Swindon pub had its outdoor TV broken by hooligans, with glass bottles thrown and flares launched across the pub garden.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We want to wish the England team good luck for their World Cup match tomorrow night.

"It is a very exciting time for the country, but with tensions running high, we would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone to act responsibly and be mindful of their behaviour."

After England's tight victory against Columbia on penalty shoot outs - making World Cup history for the team - England fans have been ignited with hope for the team to make it all the way to the final, or 'home'.

Pubs and homes across Swindon are anticipated to be flying the England flag with great pride tomorrow to support the team through their first semi-final match since 1990. Unfortunately due to a lack of council funds, Wharf Green's outdoor TV in the town centre will not been screening the England game.

Rachael Youd, Business Development Manager for inSwindon, said: "The big screen on Wharf Green has been broken for 18 months and sadly as a Council asset they currently do not have the funds to repair.

"However, we would encourage fans to come to the town centre as there are many venues showing the game, including: Yates, Sir Daniel, The Waiting Room, Savoy, Jurys Inn, Holiday Inn Express."

If England win tomorrow night they will be playing either France or Belgium who clash in the other semi-final night.

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