Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 5
Riot Police Block Mexico Fans' Fireworks Bid Near England Hotel Before Last-16 Tie
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 5

Riot Police Block Mexico Fans' Fireworks Bid Near England Hotel Before Last-16 Tie

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 5

Summary

  • Riot police ringed England's hotel in Mexico City after Mexico supporters tried to wake players with music, chanting and fireworks on the eve of Sunday's World Cup last-16 match.
  • Early indications from the England camp were that the disturbance had minimal impact, with officers in riot gear moving back anyone trying to get close to the hotel.
  • Enhanced security followed Ecuador's complaint to FIFA that Mexico fans used loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns to disrupt their sleep before a previous knockout game Mexico won 2-0.
  • Thomas Tuchel downplayed concerns, saying the reception in Mexico had been "nicer" than expected even after England faced cheers and jeers while leaving for training on Saturday.

Insights

Can FIFA's rules and massive security stop passionate fans from trying to influence a World Cup match?
With altitude already disrupting sleep, do fan fireworks at the Azteca cross the line from passion to cheating?
Are high-tech sleep trackers making old-school fan disruption tactics completely obsolete for elite athletes?