UEFA charges England over Wembley chaos: FA faces punishment over fans throwing objects, invading the pitch and booing Italian national anthem during Euros final
- The Football Association have been charged by UEFA due to the conduct of England supporters at Wembley on Sunday
- The Euro 2020 final was marred by ugly scenes of ticketless fans gaining entry
- Four charges have been brought against the FA and an inspector appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation
- The charges relate to a pitch invasion, throwing of objects, disturbance during the national anthem and lighting of a firework
- Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here
UEFA has launched disciplinary action against the FA for the conduct of England fans at Wembley on Sunday during the Euro 2020 final, with an inspector also appointed to review events inside and outside the stadium.
It was reported earlier on Tuesday that 5,000 ticketless hooligans gained entry to the stadium for the showcase match, forcing their way through broken gates and terraces which led to ugly scenes on the concourses.
The charges facing the Football Association relate to invasion of the field of play by supporters, throwing of objects by supporters, disturbance caused by supporters during the national anthem and lighting of a firework by supporters.
A UEFA statement added: ‘Separately, and in accordance with Article 31(4) DR, a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium.’
The Italy national anthem was indeed met by a chorus of boos, in a charge also brought against the FA following the semi-final against Denmark when their national anthem was met by ‘disturbance.’
The UEFA statement comes after it was claimed that the capacity – meant to be set at 60,000 – was actually 5,000 over that figure.
However, that number could easily increase once a full investigation is completed.
UEFA has launched disciplinary action against the FA for the conduct of England fans at Wembley on Sunday
One of the four charges relates to the invasion of the pitch by a spectator during the game
It is claimed that 5,000 ticketless yobs stormed into Wembley for Sunday’s final against Italy
People were still able to gain access to the stadium through broken gates and turnstiles whilst the game was still being played in extra-time too, it is also being claimed.
An initial statement on Sunday night insisted that there was just one singular incident – and added that no fans had breached security.
Italy beat England in the final on penalties, but images and videos since shared on social media show violent incidents occurring both outside and inside the stadium as ticketless fans piled in.
Some fans, who had tickets, tried to stop people running into the stadium as the scenes turned ugly.
More violent scenes in London’s Leicester Square as well as Wembley before and after the penalty shoot-out defeat will also have damaged the nation’s chances of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Police made 86 arrests on Sunday, including 53 at Wembley, for a number of offences including public order offences, ABH, drunk and disorderly and criminal damage.
A total of 19 officers received injuries.
More to follow…
Shoving in: A mass of England supporters throng outside stadium and push at the barriers
A group of football fans storm through the security barriers at Wembley as stewards desperately try to hold them back