July 6 – It started slowly, then picked up speed. No, not the number of exciting games at Euro 2024 but the throwing of plastic beer cups, often half full, on to the pitch – a regular unwanted feature of the tournament.
During the group stage, UEFA handed out fines totalling over $2.1 million, and of that, $1.3 million was for the throwing of objects.
At almost every game, whether at corners or goal celebrations, cups have rained down from the stands towards the opposition, with both players and fans caught in the crossfire and often drenched with beer.
It’s not cheap either. Fans have to pay a €3 deposit for a cup in addition to another €6 minimum for the beer itself. Some are clearly not bothered about getting their deposits back.
So far 19 of the 24 competing nations have been sanctioned for the throwing of objects.
It’s not just players who have borne the brunt. At the Italy v Croatia game in Leipzig, journalists reportedly dived to protect their laptops when beer rained down from Croatian fans celebrating Luka Modric’s goal.
So why not issue a ban?
Since 1985 in England, supporters attending matches are not allowed to take beer to their seats. In Spain, only non-alcoholic beer is allowed. In France, there are no in-stadium alcohol sales for Ligue 1 games.
But Germany is traditionally different and UEFA is keen to embrace local rules.
Alcohol is very much a part of the Bundesliga matchday experience. But getting a soaking from beer as distinct from the rain which has periodically lashed down during matches is certainly not what UEFA envisaged.
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