Northamptonshire Police warn of 'zero-tolerance approach to using football as excuse to commit crime' as World Cup kicks off

The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on Thursday June 11, ahead of England’s first game against Croatia on Wednesday June 17.

To mark the start of the competition, which is being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Northamptonshire Police is issuing a warning to football fans across the county, as they say historically incidents of domestic abuse, hate crime and public order have increased nationally during major tournaments.

Superintendent Paul Cash, who is leading the force’s policing response to the World Cup, said: “As the tournament gets underway and the excitement builds among our communities, I want to take this opportunity to remind ALL football supporters that the only penalties we want to see given out during the tournament are those on the pitch!

“Historically, incidents of domestic abuse, hate crime and public disorder have all increased nationally during major football tournaments such as this, however we do not want this to be the case in Northamptonshire.

“I don’t want this message to put a dampener on what is expected to be an exciting five weeks of football, as we’re all looking forward to cheering on our respective teams and watching them hopefully progress all the way to the final on July 19.

“However, we would like to remind everyone that we will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who think they can use football as an excuse to commit crime and create disorder across our communities.

“Competitiveness between those supporting different teams is natural but anyone crossing the line and using football to commit a hate crime, including online, will be dealt with robustly – which can include a football banning order.

“Likewise, domestic abuse and protecting vulnerable people remain a priority for the Force so, whether your team underperforms or doesn’t get the result you were hoping for – there’s never an excuse to take out your frustrations on a loved one.

“It’s also important to remind people that our drink and drug driving campaign is not just a seasonal one which takes place over the festive period. The reality is that our officers are out and about on the county’s road network 24/7 all year round carrying out enforcements.

“No one wants to get that terrible knock on the door to tell them someone they love is not coming home. So, please make the right choice and never drive when you have had an alcoholic drink or taken an illegal substance.”

Anyone who has intelligence relating to people who may want to spoil the fun should report it by calling 101 or online via the www.northants.police.uk website.