Lord of the Dance
Hodgson asks England fans to refrain from offensive chanting
Sport

Hodgson asks England fans to refrain from offensive chanting

ENGLAND fans with tickets to tomorrow night’s soccer friendly against Ireland have received a letter from England manager Roy Hodgson asking them to refrain from offensive chanting.

Many fans fear for the potential for violence tomorrow night given the history between the two countries and for offensive chanting, but the FA wants neither to occur.

England and Ireland’s last meeting in a soccer international saw the game abandoned after 27 minutes due to rioting by England fans at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road 18 years ago.

In the letter Hodgson says: "Ahead of the Ireland fixture, on behalf of The FA, I would like to ask our supporters to please respect our opponents and welcome them in the right way.

"Wembley is considered the world over as the home of football and we ask those attending to not take part in any chanting - particularly of a religious or political perspective - which could cause offence to our visitors or fellow fans."

Another reason the FA took the action is because it received a letter from FIFA following England's friendly win in San Marino two months ago asking it to remind fans not to engage in offensive chanting.