The final of any major international tournament should be a celebration of football, but there were some ugly scenes around London ahead of the Euro 2020 decider between England and Italy this evening.
The game represents England's first chance at a trophy since the 1966 World Cup, with their fans understandably hugely excited by the prospect. However, this is not the type of thing you want to see.
A video has been circulating online showing some very poor behaviour from English supporters at London's Leicester Squad.
The footage shows the public space left in a sorry state, with supporters also recklessly throwing glass bottles across the square.
As the end of the clip shows, it appears as though some nearby properties have also been damaged.
Bottles thrown as Leicester Square, London, becomes unofficial ‘fan zone’ for thousands of England fans. #ENGITA #EnglandvsItaly #England #ENG #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/NdvaX6IxIF
— Urban Pictures (@Urban_Pictures) July 11, 2021
Such scenes had been steadily brewing since early in the day.
Leicester Square brewing up trouble. Hundreds here. Men throwing pint glasses into the air, trees ripped up, flares, bottles thrown at windows. It’s not even 2pm.
— Danny Wallace (@dannywallace) July 11, 2021
Police would attempt to clear the area, although it seems as though the crowds soon returned.
Police attempting to disperse the crowd.. #Euro2020Final pic.twitter.com/Nra9T4Aqb1
— Aoife Walsh (@Aoife__Walsh) July 11, 2021
Police just cleared Leicester Square…for all of about 2 minutes. Thoughts and prayers for @CityWestminster street sweepers. #ENG #ENGITA pic.twitter.com/drRLZd8gw6
— Richard Main (@RPMain) July 11, 2021
Over the last number of years, some groups of English supporters have gained a reputation for misbehaving while following the national team abroad. There have been no shortage of examples of confrontations with European police as a result.
Things soon took a turn at Wembley Stadium itself, with a number of supporters barging their way through the barricade near the ground.
Wembley rn pic.twitter.com/3lXRRvG7d0
— Rave Footage 🎥 (@RaveFootage) July 11, 2021
100’s rushing security… ffs pic.twitter.com/9nU2d0vb3U
— Ugo Monye (@ugomonye) July 11, 2021
However, such incidents had been largely absent in Britain during this tournament up until this point.
Here's hoping we don't see something similar the aftermath of the final.
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