FA head of security Tony Conniford admitted that the association is 'freaking out over safety in Rio' FA head of security Tony Conniford said senior figures in the England set-up were ‘freaking out’ over reports of crime and violence from Rio’s gang-ridden shanty towns, or favelas, the largest of which,  Rocinha, is near England’s hotel. He also raised the astonishing prospect that England stars such as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard could be stuck on the team bus for up to four hours in gridlocked traffic as they travel nine miles to and from their training base. While officially the FA say they are ‘fully confident’ in security arrangements, former policeman Mr Conniford’s comments, overheard by a Mail on Sunday reporter in the bar of the England hotel in Rio, raise questions about preparations.
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In England's dilapidated hotel next to the gangland slum, he tells of 'real concerns' for our players
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More than 50,000 England fans expected to travel to Brazil for World Cup
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FA security team afraid stars will be 'at risk'
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A British oil worker was shot dead in a botched robbery last month.
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A few weeks ago, protesters marched on the Presidential Palace in Brasilia leading to riots in which
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12 protesters and 30 police officers were injured.
England's hotel is located within view of the @placeholder in Rio where armed gangs are being targeted by police