England hit with a one-game stadium closure for Euro 2020 Final chaos
NYON/LONDON: England, as anticipated, has been punished by UEFA with an effective one-match closed-doors punishment because of the chaos surrounding the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
England have been ordered to play one match behind closed doors as a punishment for the unrest at Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final.
The European federation imposed a ban for a second game, which is suspended for two years.
Since the European Championship is a UEFA competition the current FIFA World Cup qualifying schedule is not affected so the stadium closure will apply to England’s next UEFA Nations League tie next June.
The Football Association was also fined €100,000 for “the lack of order and discipline inside and around the stadium” for the game.
It said: “Although we are disappointed with the verdict, we acknowledge the outcome of this UEFA decision.
“We condemn the terrible behaviour of the individuals who caused the disgraceful scenes in and around Wembley Stadium at the Euro 2020 final, and we deeply regret that some of them were able to enter the stadium,” added the FA.
“We are determined that this can never be repeated, so we have commissioned an independent review, led by Baroness Casey, to report on the circumstances involved.
“We continue to work with the relevant authorities in support of their efforts to take action against those responsible and hold them to account.”
Fans fought with stewards and police as they attempted to break into Wembley for the match on July 11, which England lost to Italy on penalties.
Hundreds of fans entered Wembley for the showpiece without tickets after areas around the stadium became packed hours before the evening kick-off. Many sat in the area reserved for players’ relatives.
The Metropolitan Police had said that 51 arrests were made connected to the final, with 26 of those made at Wembley.
Uefa said the fine related to “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” at the Euro 2020 final.
England fans booed the Italian anthem before the match.
In July, the FA was fined more than £25,000 for crowd problems before and during the semi-final victory over Denmark, which included Kasper Schmeichel having a laser shone in his eyes as he prepared to face a penalty from Harry Kane.
######
