Fan disorder at Euro2020 final almost lead to fatalities

An independent review has claimed that irregularities in the Euro 2020 final could lead to the death of several people.

The match between

and

in the

final took place at Wembley Stadium, and there were scenes at the end of the game that were rarely seen in the modern world of football. 2,000 fans entered the stadium without tickets, and many clashes took place outside the stadium. The FA was fined for the disorder and their next game was played behind closed doors at Wembley Stadium. Now Baroness Casey from Blackstock, who has been investigating the Football Association's report on the game, has claimed in a report that the events of that game could have resulted in the deaths of several fans.

"The events of Sunday 11 July 2021 (Euro Sunday) at Wembley Stadium were a ‘near miss’. I am clear that we were close to fatalities and/or life-changing injuries for some, potentially many, in attendance,"

she wrote.

"That this should happen anywhere in 21st century Britain is a source of concern. That it should happen at our national stadium, and on the day of our biggest game of football for 55 years is a source of national shame."

She continued:

"I want to be very clear from the outset that responsibility for that risk to human life lies with the individuals without tickets – nearly all men, it has to be said – who attacked the stadium, successfully or otherwise.

"The drunkenness, drug taking, irresponsibility, criminality, and abuse of innocent people – including staff, families, and disabled ticket-holders – was shocking and intolerable.

"I hope the police and other authorities continue to prosecute as many of the perpetrators as possible and the courts and football authorities apply the toughest possible punishments."

Follow

for

the