At Euro 2024, the behaviour of some England fans has come under scrutiny due to a controversial chant referencing German casualties in World War II. Despite appeals from British and German authorities, the "10 German Bombers" chant has been heard, particularly in Gelsenkirchen during England's opening match against Serbia and in Frankfurt. This has raised questions about why such chants persist, whether they will continue, and what measures can be taken to address them.
Why Does It Persist and Will It Continue?
Despite clear appeals for restraint, a segment of England fans continues to sing this chant. Some fans view it as a harmless part of football culture, citing a lack of offensive language and considering it merely a historical reference. Others find it distasteful and inappropriate, especially as efforts are made to foster good relations between English and German supporters.
For many, the chant is seen as a relic of a bygone era that should be left in the past. One supporter emphasized, "There are so many more chants to have rather than that one. The war was, what, 80 years ago?!" Another echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's just unsavoury and unnecessary," pointing out that it undermines the friendly atmosphere that host nations strive to create.
However, some fans dismiss the controversy, viewing the chant as a longstanding tradition. One fan remarked, "People are looking for something to be offended by these days. It's not like there's any swear words. I don't think it's an issue." This division among supporters suggests that the chant may continue without significant intervention.
Legal and Practical Challenges
The issue of prosecuting or fining fans for singing this chant is complex. While British authorities have suggested fines for those who refuse to stop when asked, German police face limitations. The chant itself is not a criminal offence in Germany, unlike Nazi-related gestures or discriminatory chants. This complicates enforcement, particularly when large groups are involved.
Oliver Strudthoff, head of Germany's National Police Coordination Center, explained that initial responses would involve communication and requests to stop, with potential fines or arrests if the behaviour escalates. However, the practicality of managing large crowds singing the chant poses a significant challenge.
Role of the Football Association (FA)
The FA has previously appealed to fans to stop singing the chant, even threatening bans. Manager Gareth Southgate called the behaviour "completely unacceptable" in 2017. Despite these efforts, the FA has not directly addressed the recent incidents, likely to avoid drawing further attention to the chant and inadvertently encouraging its continuation.
The FA's strategy includes hoping the potential embarrassment of being filmed and posted on social media acts as a deterrent. Additionally, the FA has some information on supporters through its official supporters club and could potentially ban those identified as singing the chant. However, with many fans not registered and attending without tickets, enforcement remains challenging.
Broader Context of Offensive Chants
The controversy over the WWII chant is part of a larger conversation about offensive behaviour in football. Recent years have seen a crackdown on "tragedy chanting," with updated guidelines from the Crown Prosecution Service on prosecuting such behaviour as a public order offence. Examples include bans and fines for fans making offensive gestures related to the Hillsborough tragedy and other football-related disasters.
These measures aim to set a precedent and act as a deterrent. However, during Euro 2024, the most effective pressure may need to come from within the fanbase itself. Fans who oppose the chant can play a crucial role in discouraging others, and fostering a culture of respect and sportsmanship.