Sniffer dogs will be on duty to check supporters for fireworks at tonight’s crucial Euro 2016 clashes
British fans down beer and have fun as they play the waiting game ahead of kick-off
Britain's army of fans will be greeted by sniffer dogs tonight as UEFA cracks down on fireworks and flares being smuggled into stadiums.
The dogs will be on duty in St Etienne as the England team faces Slovakia in a crucial Group B Euro 2016 clash and in Toulouse for Russia v Wales.
The clampdown comes just days after Croatian hooligans struck during a match against the Czech Republic at the same venue.
The Croatian Football Federation faces disciplinary charges which could potentially see its team expelled from the tournament after fans set off fireworks and threw flares on the pitch.
Tens of thousands of England and Slovakian fans mixed ahead of the 8pm kick off.
Beer flowed and chants rang out as both sets of supporters played countdown to tonight.
Now they are being advised to arrive THREE HOURS before kick-off as extra security measures are put in place.
A UEFA spokesperson said: "We have adopted increased measures, including the use of sniffer dogs, and we strongly recommend that all supporters arrive early. Gates will open three hours before kick-off.
"The stadium itself is within a safety perimeter and all security measures are put in place to ensure it is a safe and secure tournament.
"Spectators who are caught in possession of fireworks will be handed over to the authorities."
More than 1,100 police officers will be on duty in St Etienne tonight with 51 soldiers brought in to aid security.
More than 800 privately-hired security agents monitoring supporters.
Turkey have been charged after their fans threw flares onto the pitch during a defeat against Spain, while flares were also thrown from the Hungary end during their 1-1 draw with Iceland in Marseille on Saturday. They too face disciplinary action.
The Belgian FA has also been charged after a section of their fans set off fireworks and threw objects during the team's 3-0 Group E victory over the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux on Saturday.
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Meanwhile, Croatia face a nervous wait to see if their Euro 2016 tournament is over even before they play Spain in their final Group D game on Tuesday.
A disciplinary hearing will held in Paris on Monday and will decide on sanctions immediately.
Those sanctions could include expulsion from the tournament, especially as Croatia have twice been charged over similar incidents before.
Fans rioted and threw flares during a friendly against Italy in Milan in 2014 when the match had to be halted for the safety of spectators.
As a result of those incidents Croatia already have to play future qualifying matches behind closed doors.
It means UEFA is under pressure to impose even tougher sanctions this time around.
Welsh fans were also out in force as they took to downtown Toulouse to party ahead of their clash with Russia.
The Dragons know a win tonight will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages.
But the fans will be on their guard following the appalling and random attacks launched by Russian Ultras throughout the tournament.
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