England’s support in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley was, for the majority of the day, superb. But with fan clashes before the game and with the Wembley officials unable to control emotions of a section of the crowd, UEFA have issued England with a two-match ban for all competitions meaning that England’s crunch tie against Albania will now be played in front of an empty stadium.
The Three Lions eventually lost on penalties after an enthralling 1-1 draw against Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri side over the course of 120 minutes.
In the first final since 1966 for England, and a first ever European Championships final, the entire nation was rightly over the moon at the occasion.
And for those with tickets, it was a chance to witness history no matter what the score was.
However, the problem lay here as many fans battled against stewards, police and operational units in an attempt to enter the ground for free.
UEFA noted this, and after bringing the biggest game in the continental calendar into dispute, the governing body have decided to give Gareth Southgate’s man a home match ban for their next game against Albania in November as a result.
Furthermore, the FA are also on probation for the next two years alongside a £87,000 fine, meaning that UEFA have also issued them with a second behind-closed-doors threat – although this is suspended for the next 24 months.
A thorough review found that police, stewards and officials were overwhelmed by large crowds that gathered on Wembley Way before aiming to storm the turnstiles.
With a reduced capacity of 60,000 due to COVID-19 laws, there was more incentive for fans to storm the ground knowing that spare seats were available.
And UEFA issued a statement condemning not only the behaviour of fans, but the ineptness of those who had protocols in place to stop such an event happening.
A statement read: “Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the incidents that occurred during the UEFA EURO 2020 final match between the national teams of Italy and England played on 11 July 2021 at Wembley Stadium, London, and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings opened against the English Football Association, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has today taken the following decision:
“To order the English Football Association to play its next two (2) UEFA competition matches as host association behind closed doors.
“The second of which is suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years from the date of the present decision, for the lack of order and discipline inside and around the stadium.
“To fine the English Football Association €100,000 for the lack of order and discipline inside and around the stadium.
“For the invasion of the field of play, for throwing of objects and for the disturbances during the national anthems.”
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