British authorities have suggested that fines could be issued to football fans who sing offensive songs during the 2024 UEFA European Football Championships in Germany.
The country has warned traveling fans that they could be fined if they sing songs deemed offensive abroad. BBCAuthorities suggested that if fans refused requests to stop, it could be considered a public order breach.
UK fans were filmed partying in droves sing One song On the streets and in the pubs of Germany they were known as the “Ten German Bombers”.
The song describes the air battles between the Royal Air Force and the Nazi Luftwaffe during World War II. Sung to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” the lyrics usually go like this:
“There were 10 German bombers in the air.
There were ten German bombers in the air.
There were ten German bombers in the air, ten German bombers, ten German bombers.
The RAF shot down one.
The RAF shot down one.
And the British RAF, the British RAF, the British RAF shot one down.”
“German police will take action against anyone who breaks the law. These actions can include heavy fines and even prison sentences.”
The head of Germany’s National Police Coordination Centre said fines would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
“First of all, they can expect communication. … This is probably not a crime, but it’s very disrespectful, so please stop doing this,” Oliver Strathoff said.
A spokesman for England’s Football Police Unit urged fans to be considerate of local culture and “be good guests.”
“Deliberately offensive behaviour may pose a risk to personal safety and German police will take action against those who break the law. These actions can include heavy fines and/or prison terms,” the spokesman added.
English soccer fans have been punished for being obnoxious or spiteful at their country’s soccer matches, and the term “tragedy chants” was even coined to identify songs about tragedies that were not allowed to be sung.
In June 2023, fans were punished twice for their behaviour in stadiums in England.
One man was arrested. Wear a shirt It read “Not Enough” and had the number 97 written on it – a reference to the tragic deaths of 97 Liverpool football fans in 1989 when part of their stadium seats collapsed.
A few days later, a second man Quote The fan reportedly admitted to intentionally causing harassment, anxiety or distress by deliberately mocking the same tragedy. He was ordered to carry out 12 months’ community service and pay a total of £314 (about $400).
There was no similar outrage when the song “Ten German Bombers” was repurposed by Ukrainian soccer fans. The lyrics are: Passed It will be spread across the stadium in March 2023 to mock the Russian military.
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