Police Advice

The major news story that caught my eye this morning, was that for England fans planning to attend the Russia 2018 World Cup Finals.

Now there was a lot of sensible advice and information made available.
I think it is a good idea to remind England fans that punishment for hooliganism can be fairly draconian in Russsia, and that they might be risking a 15 year prison sentence.
And I think it is entirely laudable that Russia hands out enormous fines for ticket touting; I understand most of the time people just happen to have a spare ticket, but thet should know the risks.

Generally speaking Russian police are open to relatively inexpensive bribes, hence I still expect there to be a great number of organized Russian touts.
If you buy and sell directly to them you shouldn't have any problems, however that will change substantially if they percieve you as a competitor.

My biggest objection to the police statements, is of course urging fans not to engage in provocative nationalistic singing.
Not because I support abuse, but because 'provocative' is such a nebulous term, and Russian nationalist sensibilities such as they are, 'provocative' includes traditional anthems such as Land of Hope and Glory.
I'd much prefer if our government put out a statement that declared that they won't tolerate unwarranted persecution of football fans, just so Russia can score cheap political points.

Okay, rant over.

In addition tourists must exercise extreme caution when shopping.
The Russian market is flooded with often dangerous knock-offs and counterfeit products.
It is imperative that any medicines you might need are brought with you.
And I cannot emphasise this enough:
There is NO such thing as CHEAP VODKA; you are probably drinking METHS! X