Police and firefighters are joining forces to show alcohol related violence and fires the red card, with the kick off of the world’s biggest soccer tournament just days away.

South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue are urging football fans to drink sensibly during the World Cup to avoid becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime and to keep the risk of fires low.

With sales of alcohol spiking traditionally during major sporting events, it is feared drinkers could be more at risk of violence on the streets and in the home, with alcohol also massively increasing the risk of accidental fires and serious damage to health.

Amongst the advice being offered to drinkers is:

·         Drink sensibly- binge drinking increases the likelihood of both becoming aggressive and of being on the receiving end of someone else’s temper

·         You are at greater risk of fire- hunger often strikes when you’ve had a drink. Don’t be tempted to cook when under the influence of alcohol and never use a chip pan

·         Win or lose, don’t take it out on your partner- reports of domestic violence to police forces increased by an average of 25% on England's match days during the last World Cup in 2006.

South Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Neil Thomas said: “We want everyone to enjoy the World Cup and its associated events, but we urge all members of the public, including supporters, to drink alcohol sensibly to ensure that they do not become a victim or perpetrator of crime.”

Tony Carlin, SYFR’s Doncaster district manager, said: “Being under the influence of alcohol can make you uncoordinated and uninhibited and as a result you are more at risk of causing a fire from cooking or smoking.

“It only takes one act of carelessness when smoking or cooking to result in someone losing their home, their possessions or, ultimately, their life, so we are reminding residents to drink sensibly during the tournament period.”

The World Cup starts on 11 June, with England's first game the following day.