The EM triumph would have been balm for the English people’s soul. Since winning the World Cup at home in 1966, the country has been waiting for a new title. And after the Knorz Brexit, of course, they wanted to show the continental Europeans twice: A final victory at Wembley Stadium (like in 1966) would have been perfect. Almost 60,000 English fans were allowed to watch the final in the stadium despite Corona, in anticipation of a historic event. It turned out differently. Even more: the English not only lost the penalty shootout on Sunday. Because of the behavior of some fans of the “Three Lions”, there was probably a good deal of respect in the rest of Europe.
England fans went crazy hours before the final. Videos show a pack entering the stadium. The group of around 50 people tore down fences and was not stopped by the outnumbered security forces. In the catacombs of the stadium, there are then attacks on Italy fans, as videos show. Low point: a grown man slapping a boy in the face.
Adult beats boys: Desert brawls at Wembley ahead of the European Championship final(01:25)
«Nobody with such disgusting behavior should be our fan»
The English Football Association (FA) writes that these incidents are “embarrassing” and that “something will be done about them”. It was not the only incident on the final day that the English Association had to comment on.
The three dark-skinned penalty misses Saka (19), Rashford (23) and Sancho (21) were covered with racist slogans by their own “fans” on social media. Invitations to go back to Africa, garnished with monkey emojis, were among the friendlier calls. House walls with the likenesses of the players were smeared with ugly graffiti.
Once again, the English association had to distance itself from its own supporters. «We can’t say it more clearly: Nobody with such disgusting behavior should be our fan. We also urge the government to act quickly and pass appropriate laws so that these abuse have consequences in real life. “
Prime Minister Boris Johnson (57) picked up the ball. And wrote on Twitter: “Those responsible for these horrific insults should be ashamed.” Prince William (39) also spoke plainly on the same platform: “I’m disgusted,” he wrote. And: “All those involved should be held accountable.”
England penalty flop: First substitution errors – then racism attack(02:14)
20 police officers injured, 50 rioters arrested
But the list of unsportsmanlike behavior is not over yet: Whistles every time the opponent hits the ball, laser pointer attacks on the Dane goalie, fireworks in front of the Italians’ hotel the night before the final – the England fans didn’t miss any opportunity to look bad.
Conclusion the day after: 20 injured police officers, 50 arrested rioters – and a lot of injured pride among the English fans who played themselves and their country on the sidelines overnight.
Stormed Wembley Stadium: Here fans break through the cordon(00:46)