World Cup pub violence red cards

Posters have also been translated into Polish and Portuguese

Pub troublemakers in north Wales will be shown yellow and red cards to tackle violence during the World Cup.

North Wales Police and pub licensees have launched the campaign, called Show Violent Crime the Red Card.

It allows bar staff to show a yellow card as a warning, and a subsequent red card means drinkers are asked to leave the premises and police are called.

Det Chief Insp Neil Anderson said: "Publicans will be showing you the red card and we'll be backing them 100%."

We try and nip it in the bud with a yellow card, and then if they continue, there's no arguments - they get the red card and out they go Pub landlord Barry Johnson

He added: "We've got the World Cup coming up next week. We want everyone to enjoy it.

"There's always the potential when individuals go to watch big sporting events in public houses that they may have a little bit too much to drink, and following on from that there can be the potential for violence.

"What we are saying to people is that we will not tolerate that, we want the people who do go out to pubs to enjoy themselves, to have a good time, to watch the match."

The scheme, a joint initiative between North Wales Police, licensees, and the Flintshire and Wrexham Community Safety Partnerships, was launched at the Shamrock Irish bar in Buckley, Flintshire.

It will be operated across north Wales.

Posters carrying the slogan - "Don't risk the penalty... show violent crime the red card" - are being distributed across the region, along with yellow and red cards for bar staff.

Politicians, police and licensees show violence the red card

Posters carrying the slogan have also been printed in Polish and Portuguese - two countries also competing in the World Cup, and which have large communities in Wrexham.

Barry Johnson, landlord of the Shamrock Irish pub, said: "I think it's a good idea.

"It's an official way of how we do it at the moment. If anyone starts to get a bit boisterous, we try and nip it in the bud with a yellow card, and then if they continue, there's no arguments - they get the red card and out they go."

The scheme has also received political support.

David Hanson, Labour MP for Delyn, said: "I hope it will show people who could potentially cause trouble during the World Cup, that the police, landlords, and the community won't tolerate it.

"We will give them the red card and there will be consequences."