Extreme Football Forum  |  Football Forums  |  General Football Forum  |  Topic: English Cricket Fans advise Englands Football fans

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2558/news/2010/01/21/1754719/crickets-barmy-army-advise-england-football-fans-travelling

England fans travelling to South Africa for this summer's World Cup have been warned to "be careful" while in the country by their cricket-loving counterparts.

"Be vigilant" is the advice that England's travelling cricket fans - the Barmy Army - have for the Three Lions faithful when they make their World Cup pilgrimage.

England's cricketers drew their series in South Africa this month, but that did not deter the travelling fans from having a "fantastic time", however, much of that was done to planning, something Barmy Army co-founder Paul Burnham hopes to pass on to football fans who flock to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the country's other host cities.

"We had a fantastic time in South Africa but this was no fluke," he said.

"We prepared months in advance to make sure the key aspects of our visit, such as accommodation and transport, were all sorted before we left.

"This meant we were better able to enjoy the fantastic reception we received from the South Africans.

"Football fans need to remember that South Africa is very different to the UK – our experience has taught us that you need to be on the ball at all times whilst in the country."

Together with accommodation, it is stressed that an understanding of local laws is imperitive.

Kevin Jeffries, another Barmy Army member, said: "I wouldn’t rely on getting here and just hoping you’re going to get somewhere – pre-book before you come."

While fellow member Mark Thompson issued a health and safety warning: "You’ve got to be careful [in South Africa], don’t travel down streets that are unlit, travel in groups and remember you’re not invincible."

Sound advice by the sounds of it 

 

No disrespect to the football friends, but they are a different firm than the Barmy Army or the BL fans. I really think whoever is going over should really plan it all out, and stick to it. I have a friend who emigrated out to Capetown about 20 yrs ago, and according to him (he was over a few weeks back to bury his mother) and most of the ex-pats in SA are delighted that they will be able to see there side in SA, but are not looking forward to the hoards of idiots invading them.