Three Lions given stadium ban

Oct 21, 2021

Three Lions given stadium ban Image

England have been handed a one-match stadium ban by UEFA, European football’s governing body.

A ban for a second game has been suspended for two years. In addition, they have been fined EUR 100,000 (GBP 85,000).

It means that, when the European Nations League begins again, they will have to play one match behind closed doors.

The ban and fine are punishments for the violence and disorder that marked the final of this summer’s Euros, between England and Italy at Wembley.

Outside the ground, thousands of fans without tickets fought with stewards and police as they attempted to break in to the stadium on 11 July, the day of the final.

A number of them forced security doors and turnstiles to make their way to the ground. Many sat in sections reserved for relatives of players. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire’s father, Alan, suffered two broken ribs in the chaos before the game, after being caught up in a stampede.

It was later confirmed that more than fifty arrests had been made in connection with the final, 26 of them at Wembley itself.

UEFA have stated that the sanctions have been imposed for the lack of order and discipline both in and around the stadium, for invasion of the field of play, throwing of objects, and booing of the Italian national anthem.

This is the second time England had been handed a punishment for events during the Euros. They were also fined after the semi-final with Denmark for various fan behaviour, including the shining of a laser in the eyes of Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as he prepared to face a penalty from Harry Kane.

The Football Association has said that they are disappointed by the punishments, and are determined to learn lessons from what happened, with particular attention in future being paid to better policing and stewarding.

It will be unfair to tar all England fans with the same brush. Most were at the match to enjoy the occasion and to support their team, but will now pay the price for the actions of a small, violent minority.