England squad 'heard gunshots'

Sven-Goran Eriksson and several of his England players heard the gunshots which resulted in two fans being taken to hospital for treatment to their wounds in Slovakia early today.

The supporters, who were hurt just after midnight in the square in Bratislava just outside the team hotel, were said to be “okay” despite being shot in the leg and neck respectively.

Eriksson heard the incident unfolding from his room, as did several players who were still awake and receiving massage treatment ahead of tonight’s Euro 2004 qualifier.

However, the England team’s security was never in jeopardy and preparations for tonight’s game have not been affected in any way, the Football Association insist.

FA chief executive Adam Crozier and head of communications Paul Newman visited the hospital in Bratislava in the early hours to check on the condition of the two fans.

Newman said: “A lot of people in the hotel were aware of the gunshots, including a number of the players and some FA staff, who were up at that time, in their rooms facing the square.

“We were aware of two people being treated in the doorway of the hotel.

“The injured fans and their friends seemed to be using the front of the hotel as a sort of refuge where they could get treatment, and once in there, an ambulance was called.

“Our concern is for the welfare of these fans and their condition. We understand that their condition is improving, which is obviously very good news.

“At no stage was security of the England team compromised. England fans appear to be behaving themselves very well and everybody hopes that will continue despite this incident.”

Investigations into the incident were continuing today, although one theory is that local security officials had fired warning shots into the ground that had ricocheted into the supporters.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington added: “Sven and several players heard the shots and were aware of what was going on. Some of the players were still being massaged at that time.

“It’s fair to say that people like (FA security chief) Ray Whitworth did a very good job, ensuring the ambulance got to these two people while also ensuring that the safety of the players was paramount.

“The only reason that the team hotel became involved in this situation was because it was seen as a safe haven.

“We have a moral responsibility to ensure that if English fans do need treatment overseas then we do everything in our powers to assist.”

Preparations ahead of tonight’s game have not been altered in the wake of the incident, with security already tight around the England team.

Kevin Miles, international co-ordinator for the Football Supporters’ Federation, told PA News in Bratislava: “This is obviously tragic from the point of view of the individuals concerned.

“But I have got to stress it is very much an isolated incident, the general atmosphere has been very relaxed and very friendly.

“All the indications are that this was an unprovoked attack, we are talking about innocent victims, and it certainly does not offer any basis for concluding that there is a return to trouble among England fans.”