July 14 – With its reputation already shattered, England face being handed a stadium ban after an investigation was opened by UEFA into the disgraceful scenes at Wembley ahead of the Euro 2020 final, and the English Football Association charged over fans booing “during the (Italian) national anthem” and “lighting of a firework”.
Police say 86 people were arrested and 19 officers injured when scores of ticketless fans stormed their way into Wembley and UEFA say they have appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct a probe into the “events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium”.
The incidents, viewed across the world, have been roundly condemned by the authorities and UEFA could clamp down hard, with the FA already fined €30,000 after a laser was shone in the face of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during England’s semi-final win.
England defender Harry Maguire said his father was caught up in the crush of fans who pushed their way into the stadium on Sunday.
Maguire said his dad “was struggling with his breathing afterwards” due to an injury to his ribs.
Police had urged fans not to travel to Wembley if they did not have a ticket. However, scores of drunken yobs breached security cordons and charged into the stadium.
The FA said it would conduct a full review into the security breach and apologised to genuine ticketholders for the “unprecedented level of public disorder”.
Reports suggest the violence could come at an even greater cost for England and Ireland’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup, with Spain and Portugal now said to be favoured by UEFA.
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