Clashes between the police and hundreds of English fans in front of Wembley stadium, a couple of hours before the kick-off of the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England. In the surroundings of the district of the same name that gives the stadium its name, there have been tensions due to the attempt by several English fans to enter without a ticket. Hundreds of them broke into the structure, as evidenced by the videos circulating on social networks. The hours of approaching tonight’s match were characterized by over-the-top behavior by supporters from across the Channel, between stormed buses and firecrackers launching under the Azzurri’s hotel. Meanwhile in the heart of London, a group of fans of the Three Lions have been filmed insulting the Italian flag. In the images you can see the fans in question stepping on the flag.
⚽️ INFO ALERT – Hundreds of supporters forced their way into the stadium #Wembley which is to host the England-Italy final tonight. (witnesses) #ITAENG #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/fFa46M6jm6
– Mediavenir (@Mediavenir) July 11, 2021
British police later confirmed that they had intervened outside the stadium to stop several dozen local fans who had climbed over the barriers to enter the external security zone. Some clashes are also reported in relation to a scuffle that took place between two opposing groups of Englishmen. However, there are currently no injuries or serious consequences, although some amateur videos showed phases of tension during the attempted infiltration. For the police, however, nobody has so far managed to enter the stadium without a ticket.
More of this. It’s appalling. Not enough police and security guards being overwhelmed. pic.twitter.com/JMxtP2Ffzk
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) July 11, 2021
Many crowded scenes have been filmed, for example in the surroundings of Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square, where the home team fans are gathering in large numbers, regardless of any caution whatsoever on distancing or other precautions against Covid despite the infections fueled by the Delta variant. And with beers and other spirits that have been flowing for hours already.
The media report some verbal abuse directed by mostly tipsy whites, and witnesses say they saw at least a couple of small groups throwing objects or stones not far from Wembley: in one case in the direction of people identified as Italian fans.
Video: Twitter/@Mediavenir – Instagram: @Welcometofavelas
