England fans warned about ‘insulting’ songs at Aviva

England football supporters who travel to the soccer international between Ireland and England at the Aviva this Sunday have been warned by the England FA not to "chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others."

Songs “from a religious or political perspective” will be particularly frowned upon, a communication to fans from the English FA states.

When the two sides met for an international friendly in February 15th, 1995, the match had to be abandoned after England fans rioted.

The FA states that it “has recently noted an increase in anti-social behaviour from a certain section of England fans that has led to complaints from within our own supporters who, as a result, have not enjoyed the experience of backing their country on the road.”

The communiqué also notes that FIFA has made “official contact with The FA to express concerns about anti-IRA chanting during the recent fixture against Italy in Turin and with the Ireland fixture in mind.”

The English FA says that it has “worked with relevant authorities behind-the-scenes ahead of the fixture and certain measures have already been put in place for this weekend’s game.”

The match will kick-off at 1pm “to alleviate the security concerns of the authorities in the Republic of Ireland,” it says.

A passport surrender system for the fixture has also been put in place by the English authorities, with those subject to football banning orders being required to report to English police stations between 10am and kick-off time.

The FA says that it will investigate reports of inappropriate behaviour and individuals can raise such matters in confidence by emailing englandsupportersclub@thefa.com.

According to Andy Walker, England FA's senior communications manager, more than 3,000 England supporters will be in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday for kick-off.

“The FA is reminding Three Lions fans travelling to Dublin this weekend to Follow England Away in the right way,” the association says.