Cumbria's Euro 2012 fans urged to avoid injury time (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cumbria's Euro 2012 fans urged to avoid injury time

11:06am Friday 8th June 2012 in Euro 2012 and South Lakeland

SOUTH Lakeland football fans are being urged to act responsibly during the Euro 2012 tournament which kicks off today.

Research shows that during previous football tournaments such as the 2006 World Cup, assault attendances at hospital emergency departments in Cumbria rose by a third during England games.

The report published by the North West Trauma and Injury Intelligence Group shows assaults which left victims requiring hospital treatment increased by 50 per cent when England played on Saturdays.

Ahead of England's first game against France on Monday, family doctors in Cumbria are asking fans to exercise common sense and act responsibly, particularly if alcohol is involved.

Nigel Calvert, Associate Director of Public Health for NHS Cumbria, said: “Euro 2012 football and alcohol can be a heady cocktail which can land people in hospital if they are not sensible.

“Drinking heavily can loosen inhabitations, make people feel more aggressive and increase the risk of someone committing an assault, or becoming the victim of one.

“Just doing a few simple things should help keep fans in Cumbria safe and make for a happier Euro 2012.”

If you're going to the pub to watch a game: * Dress appropriately for the weather; * Make sure you have a plan to get home and you inform friends or family of your intentions, but never drink drive or resort to walking home alone; * Make sure if you’re drinking, that you keep an eye on the number of drinks you’ve had; * Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, and don't mix alcohol with other substances or medication; * Look out for your friends, stick together and make sure you tell someone if you begin to feel unwell; * Don’t place yourself in danger, and always tell someone of your intentions if your plans change.