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England’s semi-final with Argentina has been classified as the ‘highest risk’ match at the World Cup following a meeting of the FBI, officials and local police.
A wide-ranging series of security measures will be implemented in Atlanta, including separate gates for entry for the two sets of supporters – although there will be no segregation inside the stadium.
The FBI, FIFA and police met on Monday, where the historical divide between the two nations and concerns over potential issues between rival supporters was outlined.
While considerable efforts will be made to keep fans apart, there is an acceptance that there is little officials can do inside the stadium thanks to the lack of segregation at FIFA games. Special attention will be paid to concourse areas, where fans are expected to mix.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has called for calm, despite the fact his players have continuously sang a song referencing the Falkland Islands during their progression throughout the tournament. In 1982, following Argentina’s invasion, 907 people lost their lives in a conflict that saw Britain reassert control over the South Atlantic islands. Argentina’s foreign minister this week restated their claim over the territory, which was swiftly rejected by Sir Keir Starmer.
‘The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match,’ Scaloni said. ‘We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that.’
England fans travelling to Atlanta for Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final with Argentina will encounter strong security measures in place – with the fixture classified as the ‘highest risk’
The FBI, FIFA and police have all met to discuss protocol ahead due to the historical divide between the two countries
Argentina sang a song about the Falkland Islands to taunt England after beating Switzerland
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sounded a similar note. ‘It is just a game of football and two passionate sets of fans going there to watch a top-level game,’ he said. ‘That’s what football does. It brings fans together, it brings the nations together and it’ll be, it’s two proud nations, that’s, that’s the key word, and we’re both proud nations. The football will do its talking.’
A heavy police presence will be visible outside each team hotel while there will be a major focus in the area around the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium which is where many of the fans are expected to congregate.
All of England’s games in the US have so far felt like home matches but it will be a different story when they return to Atlanta than it was for their clash with DR Congo in the Georgia city.
There is a huge Argentinian diaspora in the US, with thousands due to travel to the game from Florida. Officials expect a 50-50 situation in the stadium, but England’s fans may well find themselves outnumbered in the city itself.
As Daily Mail Sport previously reported, there will be an increased number of law enforcement officers on patrol, while attention will be paid to the fan fest, which will be screening the France versus Spain match on Tuesday.
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