German Police Advise Cannabis Over Alcohol for Football Fans Ahead of Euros

 The German police have reportedly advised football fans to consider smoking cannabis instead of drinking alcohol ahead of the Euros.

Earlier in the week, the German police requested that the VELTINS Arena serve England fans low-alcohol beer for their opening game against Serbia.

According to The Sun, the Gelsenkirchen police suggested that England fans smoking cannabis would be 'calmer' and 'more relaxed' than those drinking alcohol.

A spokesperson for the Gelsenkirchen Police reportedly told The Sun: "It's no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street.

"If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and appearing aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, we will focus on the group drinking alcohol.

"Alcohol consumption can lead to aggression, whereas cannabis tends to have a calming effect. Our goal is to prevent violence and ensure everyone's safety.

"Our primary concern will be fans who are drinking and potentially becoming violent, which is why we have implemented safety measures regarding alcohol."

As of April 1, Germany legalized cannabis for personal use.

The new law allows the cultivation and consumption of a limited amount of cannabis, aiming to regularize the behavior of the estimated 4.5 million Germans who use it.

However, fans will not be allowed to smoke cannabis inside the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena or in the designated fan zones.

Fans have also been asked to avoid smoking cannabis in bars or city squares during the Euros this summer.

Earlier this week, Chief Inspector Christof Burghardt expressed concerns about the upcoming game between England and Serbia, describing it as 'high-risk' due to the history and presence of hooligans on both sides.

"I think it's a very high-risk game because of the history, because of the hooligans both sides have," Burghardt told Sky News.

"Serbia has many hooligans. The English fans, with alcohol, can become very aggressive. It's a significant task to prepare for this, so hopefully, nothing will happen."

He added: "Our biggest challenge will be to identify violent, disruptive groups early on and separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans."