Yahoo Finance England ordered to play one game behind closed doors and fined £85,000 over Euro 2020 final crowd trouble
England must play one game behind closed doors after a Uefa hearing into the crowd trouble that marred the Euro 2020 final.
The punishment includes the threat of a second game without fans, suspended for two years, and an £85,000 fine.
A Uefa statement read: “To order the English Football Association to play its next two UEFA competition matches as host association behind closed doors, the second of which is suspended for a probationary period of two years from the date of the present decision, for the lack of order and discipline inside and around the stadium.
“To fine the English Football Association €100,000 for 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.”
Hordes of ticketless supporters forced their way into Wembley and clashed with stewards and police ahead of England’s defeat to Italy on penalties on July 11, tainting the country’s first major final since 1966.
The 90,000-seater stadium’s capacity was restricted to 60,000 for the showpiece due to Covid and, aware there would be thousands of empty seats, supporters stormed the turnstiles and entrances to make their way into the ground.
Many ticketless fans occupied the area reserved for players’ families and the father of England defender Harry Maguire was among those injured in the commotion.
The morning after the match, the Football Association announced it had commissioned an independent review led by Baroness Casey of Blackstock into “the disgraceful scenes”.
Responding to Monday’s punishment, the FA said: “Although we are disappointed with the verdict, we acknowledge the outcome.
“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.
“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.”
The Metropolitan Police made 51 arrests connected to the final, with 26 of those made at Wembley.
The stadium ban will apply only for UEFA fixtures and is set to be enforced for England’s opening home Nations League match next year.
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