British Embassy in Russia says all England fans welcome at World Cup
Wednesday 7 March 2018 15:01, UK
The British Embassy in Moscow is encouraging England fans from all backgrounds to attend next summer's World Cup in Russia.
Embassy officials will hold further talks with FIFA's competition organisers over issues involving discriminatory behaviour towards supporters.
London-based anti-discrimination group Fare is producing a guide for fans from black and ethnic minority and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.
Fare director Piara Powar said the guide would advise people to be cautious anywhere "not seen to be welcoming to the LGBT community".
"Our priority is the safety and security of all British fans of all backgrounds. We want as many British fans to come to Russia as possible," Tom Regan, Her Majesty's Consul in Russia, told Sky Sports News.
"The UK government's position, and the Embassy's position, is that we respect and defend the rights of all people. We won't tolerate, ever, discrimination in any form. We're working with them [organisers] to ensure fans that come have a safe and enjoyable time."
FIFA urged to ensure LGBT fans safety at World Cup in Russia
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has launched 'Be on the Ball', a campaign providing advice and information to British football fans.
The British Embassy will install mobile embassies at every venue to feature England, to offer consular support for supporters and quickly deal with any issues.
"Local organisers are responsible for ensuring that everyone can enjoy themselves, on and off the pitch," said Regan. "We will continue to work with them, between now and the World Cup, to ensure anyone, of any background, can come and enjoy themselves."
British and Russian police are working closely together following trouble between rival fans during the European Championships in France last summer.
"The cooperation between Russia and UK has been very good," added Regan. "After Marseille, we've worked very closely with them on safety and security. We have strong cooperation between our police forces."
