UEFA Cup 2007/08

WARNING TO ALL EVERTONIANS AT NUREMBERG ON 8th NOVEMBER 2007.

Our visit to Nuremberg for the UEFA Cup game on 8th November 2007 promises to be a great occasion whatever the result. Let’s make it memorable for all the right reasons.

But many Evertonians – particularly the younger ones – who travel to Nuremberg may not be aware of German Law concerning the Nazi era. Some may even think it a cause for humour or jokes with German citizens. This would be a bad mistake.

German Law expressly forbids Nazi salutes, provocative public exhibition of Nazi memorabilia and insignia and denial of the Holocaust mass murder of six million European Jewish citizens. Anybody who breaks this law is dealt with summarily. Long jail sentences are not uncommon. As an example, the English historian David Irving has written several books and articles which either deny the Holocaust or cast doubt on its reality, and when he visited some years ago he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to a few years in jail.

Do not think you can get away with the excuse of a few beers and that you were “only joking” if you are confronted by the police after breaking these laws. Nor is ignorance considered a defence if you end up in court. You will feel the full weight of a nation trying its best to forget a terrible part of its history and still in no mood to accept excuses from those who would try to take advantage of it.

Germany also has a minor problem with organised football hooliganism. The police deal with it accordingly. If you see a problem, stay well away from it.

German citizens are as warm and welcoming as any others and will more than likely speak excellent English should the circumstances demand. You will have a great time in Nuremberg if you respond with the same warmth and friendliness. But step outside the law and you know what to expect.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!