Irish football fans 'best in the world'

Irish football fans were tonight hailed as the best in the world by Stuttgart’s top cop.

The praise came as officials confirmed that only one supporter was arrested at this weekend’s clash against Germany.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 supporters travelled to the German city for last night’s Euro 2008 qualifier.

The Green Army packed in to the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium to cheer Staunton’s team as they kick-started their campaign.

Despite the German team winning the match 1-0, the fan’s spirits never dampened.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, who was at the match, tonight congratulated Ireland’s fans for their good behaviour.

Mr Ahern yesterday met Stuttgart’s chief of police, Commissioner Seigfried Stumpf, who praised fans, consulate staff, Inspector Tony Gallagher and Detective Sergeant Gerry Lawless, who worked beside the city’s police to ensure that the event passed peacefully.

“Commissioner Stumpf said he was on duty as a policeman the day Ireland beat England in 1988, and the people of Stuttgart were looking forward to having the Irish back,” a Foreign Affairs spokesman said.

“They had very fond memories of the Irish from that time. They never any trouble with anyone.”

He told the minister that residents had reported a great atmosphere in the city centre on Friday and Saturday night.

“He said Irish fans were the best in the world, and that the door of Stuttgart would always be open for them,” he said.

The fan was arrested and fined on Friday evening for a public-order offence. Details are not yet known.

The commissioner and minister also applauded the setting up of the temporary consulate with six staff, as it freed police resources on the ground.

Mr Ahern is now considering setting up another office in Cyprus when Ireland travel there next month.

“With up to 12,000 fans travelling to the game and just one arrest, the behaviour of fans speaks volumes for Ireland,” added the spokesman.

“Having been at the match in Stuttgart, Mr Ahern is delighted at seeing the behaviour of Irish fans first-hand, even if the game didn’t go our way.

“It goes to show why the Green Army are always welcome all over the world.”