INTERNATIONAL rugby referee Nigel Owens is urging sports fans to show violence the red card.

Nigel, from Mynyddcerig, launched the Dyfed-Powys Police campaign ahead of the UEFA Euro 2016 football championship.

As part of the campaign referee-style red cards emblazoned with the messages ‘drink aware’ and ‘show domestic violence the red card’ have been produced to provide a light-hearted, interactive way to deliver serious messages.

The campaign encourages football fans to be mindful of how much alcohol they’re drinking and how they’re behaving to prevent violence - whether out at a pub, a football club or in the comfort of their own homes.

“I’m supporting the Dyfed-Powys Police’s Show Violence the Red Card campaign,” said Nigel, who was in charge of the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

“This is such an exciting time for Wales but it’s easy for emotions to run high and tempers to flare, especially if people have drunk too much alcohol.

“I’d encourage people to enjoy themselves during Euro 2016 but be careful, stay in control, be the bigger person and walk away from any trouble. Come on Wales!”

The red cards are being distributed to licensees that will be showing the Euro 2016 games. Bar staff and customers will be encouraged to hold up a red card if they see any inappropriate behaviour to stop it escalating to violence.

Inspector Jolene Mann said: “Wales’s football fans have waited a long time to support their home nation in a major tournament and are understandably excited. Having a drink while enjoying the football is all part of the Euro 2016 experience for many and we don’t want to stop fans socialising and having fun.

“However, excessive alcohol can lead to violence and domestic violence so we’re launching the Show Violence the Red Card campaign to provide a light-hearted intervention to stop poor behaviour from escalating to violence. I encourage football fans to drink at their own pace, remain in control of their behaviour and stay out of trouble.”

Chief Inspector Ieuan Matthews said: “Violence will not be tolerated by Dyfed-Powys Police and we will take robust action when necessary, whether it has happened in the privacy of your own home, in a pub or a public place.

“There are serious consequences to violence that could impact greatly on the lives of the victim and the offender.”

Members of the public are also invited to get involved by posting photos of themselves holding up the campaign red cards on the Dyfed-Powys Police Facebook and Twitter pages using #redcardtoviolence. The images are available on the force’s Twitter and Facebook profiles or website.