England fans 'quietly confident'
ITV Central's Sports Correspondent Steve Clamp gives his take on expectations for England at Euro 2012.
Police issue anti-violence videos ahead of Euro 2012
Staffordshire Police have produced two hard-hitting videos to tackle alcohol-fueled violence during Euro 2012.
Euro 2012 Racism
In seven days Euro 2012 kicks off but the host countries Poland and Ukraine have been accused of having a problem with racism in football.
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No timescale for how long Darren Bent will be out of action
Villa manager Paul Lambert is putting no timescale on how long Darren Bent will be out of action with his ankle injury.
It is the ankle Bent injured against Wigan last season, which forced him out of the final three months of the campaign and ended his hopes of being part of England's Euro 2012 squad.
The striker suffered the setback while training last week, forcing him out of the 1-0 win at Sunderland.
– Paul Lambert, Aston Villa manager"Darren had a scan on Wednesday and it's still too early so we will have to go with the same squad of players."
"Darren's doing okay at the minute but we'll have to wait and see. It is the ankle he injured against Wigan so we will wait and see."
Villa's Bent out of the squad due to ankle injury
Central News understands Darren Bent is out of the Villa squad. Scans on his ankle injury means it is not known when the striker will be fit enough to play again. More to follow.
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Nottingham chef bakes Giant Custard Cream trophy
by ITV CentralA chef from Nottinghamshire has baked a custard cream biscuit in the shape of the UEFA Euro 2012 cup.
The giant Custard Cream weighs 33lbs and took Paul Thacker and his team from Chino Latino over 10 hours to create.
The biscuit is currently on display in the Park Plaza Hotel in Nottingham.
Paul's sweet creation is being auctioned on eBay and the proceeds donated to the East Midlands homeless charity Framework.
Police praise England fans
Police in the West Midlands say there hasn't been a single arrest during the Euro 2012 football tournament.
They say that so far the opening matches of Euro 2012 have been enjoyed in an atmosphere of "good-natured fun".
– Sergeant Donna Jones, West Midlands Police"We haven't received any reports of serious trouble in the region or clashes between rival fans.
"Policing operations are in place across our towns and cities to respond to crime, disorder or any issues relating to excess alcohol consumption.
"We want everyone to enjoy the event and we won't tolerate poor behaviour that can spoil the spectacle for the majority of law abiding supporters."
The Football Unit has issued a warning that anyone involved in football-related disorder risks being handed a Football Banning Order in the courts.
That would make UK football grounds no-go zones to offenders and also prevent them from travelling overseas to football tournaments.
A West Bromwich Albion fan was given a Football Banning Order after he was removed from a flight before it left from Gatwick last Saturday.
The 24-year-old from Tipton was arrested by Norwegian police during England's Euro 2012 warm-up game last month and given a three year banning.
– Sergeant Donna Jones, West Midlands Police"He was trying the make his way to the Euros and this result reflects our commitment to tackle people with a history of violence or disorder from attending the tournament.
"There is a national, co-ordinated ports operation in place so no matter where people try to leave the country from there will be police and officials looking out for potential troublemakers."
Praise for England from Aldridge
Former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge says England's 1-1 draw with France is a good result and he said Joleon Lescott scored 'a great goal'.
He adds that Ireland can still progress too in Euro 2012, despite their 3-1 defeat by Croatia.
England fans celebrate Lescott's goal
England fans at The South Bank bar on Trent Bridge in Nottingham celebrate as Joleon Lescott gives England the lead against France.
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Former Wolves defender scores for England
Birmingham born Joleon Lescott, the former Wolves defender, has given England the lead against France in their first Euro 2012 match.
Police warn on football related abuse
Police are urging domestic abuse victims not to suffer in silence during the Euro 2012 tournament.
Reported incidents of domestic abuse rose by nearly 30 per cent on England football match days during the World Cup in 2006.
Nearly half of all suspects in such cases were drunk.
West Mercia Police wants is encouraging domestic abuse sufferers during the tournament not to tolerate it and to report incidents to the police.
Posters have been distributed across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire urging people to "Show domestic abuse the red card".
–"Domestic abuse is a serious crime that should not and will not be tolerated. It must be made clear to offenders that the tension of high-profile matches does not give them any justification.
"I know people are disappointed when their team loses a game but there is absolutely no excuse for taking it out on your family. Many people will be watching Euro 2012, supporting England and most enjoy a drink - but they don't take it to excess.
"Domestic violence and abuse affects families, it affects victims who suffer harm and it can have a devastating effect on the lives of children."
– Sharon Avery, Detective Sergeant, West Mercia Police"Don't suffer in silence - help is available. We work closely with local authorities and support groups to provide support for victims, encourage them to report abuse and effectively prosecute offenders.
"If you or somebody you know needs confidential help or advice, blow the whistle on domestic abuse and call the domestic abuse helpline on 0800 783 1359.
'You can also call the police on 0300 333 3000. In an emergency always dial 999."
Red cards for Euro 2012 troublemakers
West Midlands Police say anyone causing trouble whilst watching Euro 2012 games risk being arrested and banned from town or city centres on match days.
Police can move on people they believe to be drunk and an anti-social behaviour risk…and stop them returning to the area for up to 48 hours.
Anyone arrested could be handed bail conditions making venues screening matches no-go zones for the whole of June.
In Wolverhampton, officers working with pub landlords will be handing out 'yellow and red cards' to anyone acting in an anti-social manner.
West Midlands Police's specialist Football Unit have people in Poland and Ukraine to help support the policing operation around England supporters.
Others will be based at Birmingham Airport during June on the look-out for potential troublemakers trying to make their way to the tournament.
"Recent overseas tournaments have shown that the vast majority of fans are well behaved and passionate about supporting their team.
"And most people cheering the team on from home want to enjoy the matches and celebrate the event – but anyone jeopardising that through poor behaviour will be dealt with appropriately.
"That could involve them being subject to bail conditions stopping them from watching matches in venues screening the games or from entire town centres.
– Howard Lewis-Jones, Football Unit Inspector"Our licensing teams work closely with pubs and clubs and, through the Pubwatch scheme, anyone barred from one pub risks exclusion from all others participating in the initiative.
"People may think that banning orders are only given to people who misbehave in football stadiums – but a football-related offence includes fighting in a pub or committing criminal damage whilst watching a game in a pub."
England fans 'quietly confident'
by Steve Clamp
ITV Central's Sports Correspondent Steve Clamp gives his take on expectations for England at Euro 2012.
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