In preparation for what is deemed as a high-risk Euro 2024 opener between England and Serbia, tournament organizers in Gelsenkirchen have introduced an innovative security protocol involving the use of a safe word - "Panama." Fans feeling unsafe or threatened during the match have been instructed to say "Wo geht's nach Panama?" ("Which way to Panama?") to alert police or tournament staff discreetly.

The unique safe word, Panama, is designed to prompt immediate assistance and potential intervention from a specialized team in crisis management. This protocol, akin to those used at Bundesliga matches and music festivals in Germany, aims to address concerns of potential rioting and disorder during the highly anticipated fixture on Sunday.

Authorities have voiced fears of up to 500 Serbian hooligans seeking confrontation at the tournament, drawing parallels to past incidents involving English fans. The match has been labeled as the most high-risk game of the tournament, with security measures in place such as a limited availability of low-alcohol beer and coordination among law enforcement agencies, fire brigade, and Euro staff on-site.

Wilhelm Wessels, Gelsenkirchen's Euro 2024 project manager, emphasized that all security partners are well-versed in the "Panama rules" to respond promptly to any distress signals during the event. Despite some skepticism regarding the efficacy of the protocol, its adoption reflects a proactive approach aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all attendees.

Social media reactions to the Panama safe word ranged from humorous references to Van Halen's song to discussions on the practicality of using such code words in public settings. The diverse opinions mirrored the ongoing dialogue surrounding security measures and fan behavior at major sporting events.

As tension mounts ahead of the England-Serbia clash, the implementation of the Panama protocol symbolizes a proactive effort to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure a secure environment for spectators and participants alike during Euro 2024.