Nagging Germans tell England fans to stick to BOOZE-FREE beer during 30C heat ahead of Slovenia group decider
GERMAN authorities are urging Brits to go booze-free for tonight’s clash match as temperatures soar.
Water and sun cream are being handed out to fans as Cologne is set to reach nearly 30C before the big game tonight.
The calls to avoid booze comes not from hooliganism worries but from fears of intense dehydration from the fierce heat.
Footy supporters are reportedly “sweltering” in the German city of Cologne with the Euros organisers urging fans to drink non-alcoholic lager.
The temperature is forecast to be 25C during the clash game of England versus Serbia tonight.
While it doesn’t sound shockingly high, the 56per cent humidity will make it feel more like 29C – and that’s not including the heat radiating off other fans in the stadium.
John Maslen-Jones, a 60-something fan, told The Times: “I won’t drink no-alcohol beer, I’d rather drink water,
“My son and his mates are in the fan zone. They won’t be drinking alcohol-free beer.”
Another fan, James Kaylow, 40, said: I’ll try and moderate but I can’t see any fans sticking to that.”
Jutta Doppke-Metz, a local government spokeswoman has urged the 50,000 England fans to look out for shops “selling anti-alcohol drinks”.
She said: “Our aim is to enable the residents and visitors to our city to celebrate a peaceful and joyful football festival that they will remember for a long time to come.
“That’s why we already took the climatic conditions of the summer into consideration when planning for Uefa Euro 2024 and created offers to counteract these in the fan zones and in the entire city centre area.”
She also said drinking water is being offered at numerous “service and information points” throughout Cologne.
British and German police have praised Lion supporters for their behaviour so far.
The police said: “There were no reports of disorder and no arrests of any England fans were made.
“This is indicative of what we have seen across Germany so far, with the vast majority of England fans behaving extremely well.”
This comes after fears of hooligan clashes at England’s first group match led to an initial crackdown by German authorities.
Fans at Gelsenkirchen’s 62,000-seat Veltins Arena were only allowed to sup a 2.5 per cent Bitburger Radler shandy and buy two at a time.
But at England’s last game at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion — with a capacity of 58,000 — a 4.8 per cent Bitburger lager was available.
Cologne fan guide
ENGLAND fans are heading to Cologne in their tens of thousands to cheer on the Three Lions against Slovenia.
Stadium
SunSport says: The game will be played at the RheinEnergie Stadion – the 50,000-capacity home of FC Koln.
The arena was built for the 2006 World Cup where Joe Cole scored his iconic long-range chest-and-volley goal in a 2-2 group stage draw with Sweden.
Fan zone
SunSport says: The official fan zone is at The Heumarkt, just a short walk from the iconic 13th century Cologne Cathedral.
The square is surrounded by bars and pubs and will show every Euros match.
England’s game with Slovenia will also be shown at the riverside Tanzbrunnen public viewing zone.
Best place for England fans to gather
Matt says: “Head to Alter Markt.
“The market square in the centre of the old town is in the shadow of the cathedral, full of nice green spaces with lots of bars and pubs. England fans will definitely be happy there.”
Best pubs for England fans in Cologne
Danny says: “There are lots of different Kölsch beers in Cologne and Brauhaus Paffgen is the best so head to the Paffgen brewery in the centre of town.”
Maurits says: “Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is in the old town but is smaller and not as crowded.”
Best restaurants for England fans in Cologne
Matt says: “Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.
“It doesn’t look the best from the outside but once you get inside a good Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) will sort you out.”
Maurits says: “Max Stark is perfect for football fans.”
Must drink German beer
Matt says: “Every Kolsch is 4.8 per cent and they all traditionally get served in 0.2 litre glasses.
“But don’t underestimate it because, trust me, within an hour you will have forgotten how many you’ve had and that’s when things start to get very dangerous!”
Must eat German food
Matt says: “Mettbrotchen is mashed raw meat spread on a bread roll and dipped in onions.”
Maurits says: “Frikadelle is sliced meat, like a hamburger made of meatballs.”
Must visit tourist attraction
Matt says: “Definitely head to Cologne Cathedral.
“You can see the two spires on top of the 13th-century Kölner Dom from miles away. It’s the symbol of the city and the place to go.”
Mautits says: “Take a boat trip along the river. And if you’re here with children, go to the zoo, it’s one of Europe’s best.”