FOR many it’s as much part of the World Cup as the Three Lions and St George’s flag.

Having a drink or two to celebrate – or commiserate – England’s performance on the pitch is not unusual for footie fans whether in the pub or at home.

But now a top Southampton doctor is urging supporters to go easy on the booze.

Dr John Heyworth said staff at Southampton General Hospital’s accident and emergency department are preparing for a rise in alcohol related injuries.

As well as kicks and punches from booze fuelled fights in the city centre, doctors and nurses also expect to see their fair share of sozzled patients who have drunk too much at home.

High on the list of World Cup perils for armchair spectators are tripping up and falling down stairs.

Dr Heyworth said: “With the build-up to the match, the game itself and the aftermath, there is an opportunity for some substantial drinking – and we know that when people are passionate about football matches and alcohol is involved, it can lead to some great times but also some less favourable incidents.”

While health experts are keen not to dampen the mood they say the likely increase in avoidable accidents is a reality.

Dr Heyworth added: “We see an increase in the number of people tripping over, falling down stairs and crashing their cars,”

“A lot of drinking, a lot of passion, a lot of excitement, hopefully a lot of euphoria and sometimes a bit of disappointment – a mix that can very easily lead to either violence or accidents, and people need to be aware of that.”

In another worrying trend, medics also expect to see a higher number of patients suffering domestic abuse – which rose during the last World Cup.

Dr Rob Crouch, a consultant nurse in the emergency department, said people who are at risk should be aware of the increased dangers and keep key contact numbers to hand.