England fans have defied the Football Association by singing chants referencing German deaths in World War II. Footage of Three Lions fans singing the song ‘10 German Bombers’ is unlikely to go down well with the football authorities.
The chant - sung to the tune of Ten Green Bottles - mocks German casualties during the war. Fans have been threatened with bans if they are caught joining in with the song since 2017.
It came after individuals were given bans from Three Lions matches and members of the England Supporters’ Club were suspended after the song was sung during a friendly against Germany in Dortmund that year.
Despite that, fans have been seen giving it a rendition in the German city of Dusseldorf in the build-up to England’s first Euro 2024 clash against Serbia on Sunday. Footage shared by The Times shows supporters chanting ‘10 German Bombers’ in the streets of Germany.
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The FA told Express Sport on Saturday: "We always encourage our fans to positively get behind the team. This includes supporting England in the right way, before, during and after matches, and we want to be great guests at the tournament."
Peter Both, the head of Gelsenkirchen’s police force, told fans “don’t be a d***” in anticipation of England fans travelling to Schalke’s Veltins Arena. He confirmed, though, that there were no legal repercussions for singing the song, and similar chants that reference the war.
"Please don't be a d***," Both told The Telegraph. "That's what I would say to them: Don't be a d***.
"If they sing a song like this, I can't change it. It's not punishable in Germany. I hope that all the other peaceful and law-abiding fans say to them: 'Stop it.'
"I know, and all people in Germany know, there is a long-lasting sporting rivalry between England and Germany. But it's important for me to say it's only a sporting one. Our countries have been, and remain, allies for over seven decades."
England fans have been warned they face banning orders if they misbehave in Germany. The FA are keen for supporters to be “great guests” despite historic hostilities between the Three Lions and the Euro 2024 host nation.
“We hope that all fans will continue to keep in mind the importance of representing England in the right way whilst abroad,” the FA sent in communication to members of England Supporters Travel Club.
“Our presence here is an opportunity to demonstrate the best of England, both on and off the pitch.”
