Police step up security for Bulgaria – England football match

Police are stepping up security measures for the football match between Bulgaria and England on October 15.

Sofia directorate of the Ministry of interior is currently holding a special press conference to state what the measures will be before this match. The measures will apply as in any other match. Private security firms will monitor the order and will watch for racist statements. People who carry dangerous things and objects, including umbrellas and perfumes, will not be allowed to the stadium, as well people who are visibly intoxicated.

Some 4,000 British fans are in Sofia for the match.

Since yesterday, there have already been three emergency reports for English citizens who needed medical attention. One of them was taken to the emergency hospital. He refused to stay in the hospital and behaved rudely. Police was called. On the way to the police station he died. According to initial information, he was drunk and under the influence of drugs.

To prevent incidents between Bulgarians and English fans, police presence in Sofia has been increased since last night. There was already a clash at one of the bars. According to the gendarmerie it was a huge clash, according to English fans "clash" is exaggerated.

The measures at the stadium will also be strengthened. Because of the insults by some Bulgarian fans against players in the Bulgaria-Kosovo match, UEFA has ordered 5,000 seats from the stadium to be closed.

There will be secret agents among the audience at the stadium and they will check if there will be any insults this time.

According to unconfirmed information, there are already detained English fans who were apparently inebriated and causing problems.