County football fans are being urged to keep a lid on their behaviour as England prepare to kick off their World Cup against the USA on Saturday.
Excitement will be reaching fever pitch in pubs, bars, clubs and back in the domestic home.
West Midlands Ambulance Service have put out a message ahead of England’s opening match in South Africa warning people of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, which often lead to a rise in assaults and domestic violence, they say.
Assistant chief ambulance officer Mark Gough said: “We are certainly not trying to be killjoys and stop people enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, our staff have to pick up the pieces following alcohol-fuelled incidents.
“There is a clear link between major sporting occasions and heavy drinking which, in turn, results in an increase in alcohol-related calls to the ambulance service.”
He added: “It’s easy to forget how much alcohol you have consumed when you are enjoying yourself, and people don’t always consider the consequences of their actions.
“But while we are dealing with alcohol-related incidents, we could be delayed in treating someone with a more serious or life-threatening condition.
“We want to make sure that the World Cup 2010 is one people will remember for all the right reasons and that our crews are there for the people who really need us.
“We ask everyone to act responsibly and enjoy the matches in the spirit such a great sporting event is all about,” said Mr Gough.
Extra resources will be deployed during the tournament but the public have been urged not to dial 999 unless it is a genuine emergency.
For less serious conditions, people are being asked to visit their local GP or call NHS Direct on 08454647.