FA ready with the red card for 'Hitler's birthday' match

THE FOOTBALL Association looks certain today to call off England's friendly international with Germany, which was to be played in Berlin on 20 April - the anniversary of Adolf Hitler's birthday.

British and German police know that the game has become a target for neo-Nazis and their opponents and have warned the Foreign Office and the FA that extremists are planning major confrontations.

The FA's executive committee will meet today to decide whether to bow to pressure and pull out of a fixture that has been fraught with problems from the beginning.

It has already been switched from its original venue, Hamburg, because the authorities there could not guarantee security. At one stage German football chiefs suggested the game be played in Nuremburg.

Last night the German FA were determined the game be played. Egidius Braun, the president, said they would not 'chicken out', adding: 'If we capitulate the negative consequences for the sport and for society would be far reaching. I assume it will go ahead as planned but it is up to the English FA.'

Sir Bert Millichip, FA chairman, discussed the situation with senior officials at Lancaster Gate yesterday. Although there was no official comment, sources indicated there was too big a risk to players and supporters. The players' union is also worried about safety.

Right-wing activists in Germany plan to mark the game with neo- Nazi demonstrations while those opposed to them have promised counter-demonstrations. Two weeks ago windows at the offices of the Berlin soccer authority were smashed and acid splashed inside.

Anti-Nazi groups plan a massive demonstration in Berlin this Saturday and have demanded the game be cancelled.

There are links between English and German hooligans and Berlin is a favoured stopover for supporters on their way to other English fixtures in Europe.

The increasing likelihood of violence has alarmed the FA who are anxious not to be caught up in trouble two years before they stage the European Championship finals.