PALMA
NATIONAL Police in the Balearics will be reinforcing their ranks today to cope with any outbreaks of violence on the occasion of the World Cup semi-final match between Spain and Germany being televised from South Africa.
Central Government Delegate, Ramon Socias, said that the National Police had certain concerns about public disturbances which could occur both during and after the match, as had been the case on 27th June when there was conflict on Majorca over the match played between Germany and England.
However, Socias was anxious to reassure the public that matters would be kept in hand and expressed his wish that Spain emerged victorious from the match.
Also speaking about security issues, Socias said that extra units would be used to police the funeral of Felix Pons, the Majorcan-born former leader of the national Congress, which was scheduled to take place yesterday in Palma Cathedral at 8pm. Socias said that the appropriate number of officers would be deployed for the occasion, as is always the case when a large number of politicians and local dignitaries are assembled in one area.
Socias said that the National and Local Police had got the routine for the security measures off to a tee because they have had to practice it so regularly for public events taking place in and around the Cathedral and the Almudaina Palace.