Football and drinking go hand-in-hand but studies have also revealed incidents of domestic violence have soared in past World Cup games.
As fans prepare to hit the pub or rush home to put their feet up with a beer or few for tonight's crucial match between England and Uruguay, Home Secretary Theresa May has backed Hounslow's safer World Cup campaign - Don't See Red.
The move to support the initiative, which was launched ahead of the World Cup, came during a summit on domestic violence organised by MP Mary Macleod in Chiswick, yesterday (18).
Ms Macleod, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, said: "I was delighted to welcome the Home Secretary to speak at the Domestic Abuse summit today and to back the local campaign, Don't See Red.
"We want London to lead the way in tackling domestic violence and having a zero-tolerance approach.
"There is never an excuse for violence and the World Cup is the perfect time to reinforce this message."
The campaign focuses on urging football fans to drink responsibly, drink driving and also domestic violence.
Figures unveiled by Hounslow council revealed violent incidents in the borough increased by 31.5 per cent during the 2010 World Cup, and by 19.8 per cent across London, compared to the same period in 2009.
In Hounslow, there were 392 violent incidents between June and July, 2010, compared to 298 in the same period in 2009.
Similarly, in London, there were 11,669 violent incidents in June and July, 2010 compared to 9,744 during the same months in 2009.
Hounslow councillor Sue Sampson, whose sister was murdered as a result of domestic violence, the cabinet member for communities and economic development with responsibility for domestic violence, said: "We speak with one voice in Hounslow and our message is simple: Enjoy the World Cup but if you indulge in violence in the pub or at home, you will be enjoying Her Majesty's pleasure."
The mass meeting was held in Chiswick, home to the first safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence opened more than 40 years ago, and brought together police, crown prosecution service, councils, businesses, charities, health services, schools, religious groups and residents to work together to put a stop to this awful crime.
During the event, officers highlighted they improving their response to calls about domestic abuse and the use of technology to help people affected feel safer, as well as collecting better quality of evidence to ensure prosecutions.
Chief Inspector Jon Kennedy of Hounslow Police, said: "I want to send a clear message to anyone involved in domestic violence, you will be arrested, you will be sent to court and you will be sent to prison.
"The Metropolitan police have a zero tolerance to domestic violence.
"I have ensured extra units including specifically trained domestic violence police officers will be working before, during and after the World Cup matches.
"I will also be working these World Cup matches to ensure anyone involved in domestic abuse is dealt with robustly."
The 'Don't see red' campaign features posters and beer mats with the message 'Enjoy the World Cup but don't see red', for pubs and clubs across the borough, with secondary messages on drinking responsibly, drink driving and a stark image on domestic violence.
The campaign is also backed by Brentford FC, and Mark Devlin, chief executive of the club, said: "The event is a celebration of world class football. Please don't let drinking ruin the occasion and lead to any violent disorder, which the police will deal with very swiftly."
The key message from Ms Macleod was "there is still much to do to prevent domestic abuse and continue to change culture and beliefs so abuse in relationships is not acceptable and not tolerated."
