Violence and disorder at England’s Euro 2020 final leads to dozens of arrests

Police made dozens of arrests as violence and disorder flared during England’s Euro 2020 final with Italy at Wembley (Picture: Getty/PA)

Violence and disorder marring England’s Euro 2020 final clash with Italy led to police making 45 arrests.

Troublemakers threw bottles in central London, tried to break into Wembley and fought inside and outside the ground.

Riot police moved in to Leicester Square in the hours before the UEFA final, which England lost on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in extra time.

The Met Police had officers still on duty as thousands of spectators filtered out of Wembley earlier tonight.

Beer bottles were reportedly hrown and police still looked to be on high alert as chants against Italy were heard.

In a tweet, the force said: ‘We have made 45 arrests while policing today’s #Euro2020 final.

‘A number of officers remain on duty, helping fans leaving #Wembley or central London.

‘We are there to look out for your safety.’

Police officers stand guard on Wembley Way as spectators gather after the match (Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)

Riot police detain an England fan outside Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final (Picture: Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)

Metropolitan Police officers restrain a man in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square during the UEFA Euro 2020 final (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)

Ugly scenes had marred the build up to the game, with bottles being pelted by people in the crowd in Leicester Square, and further reports of trouble in and around the national stadium.

At one point before kick-off, a crowd was shown on video smashing through security and running into Wembley’s outer perimeter.

The footage showed the gatecrashers clashing with security as they toppled the gates, causing a stampede to push through outnumbered stewards who desperately attempted to hold them back.

Many are seen falling to the floor, bringing officers down with them, before getting up and dashing towards the venue to watch England play Italy in the historic match.

Dozens were seen sprinting up the stairs as overrun security, wearing hi-vis jackets. attempt to chase them, while others are seen brawling outside.

A Wembley spokesperson earlier said there was not a security breach but has now confirmed that a ‘small group got into the stadium’.

A man stands on a police van as scenes of disorder break out in central London ahead of England’s Euro 2020 final clash with Italy (Picture: Matthew Chattle/Shutterstock)

Riot police were deployed in London’s West End and were pictured crouching over a person with a bandage to a possible head wound (Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock)

A line of police officers are the target of beer can throwers as England supporters stand around the edges of Trafalgar Square during a screening of the final (Picture: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier in the day, the Met had moved to pre-empt any crowd trouble ahead of England’s quest for the first trophy since 1966.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: ‘The Met has a significantly enhanced policing operation in place and will adapt as necessary to the increased numbers of fans enjoying the match.

‘We will continue to deploy a great many officers and specialist units to prevent crime and disorder and respond to any incidents right across London.

‘We want people to be able to enjoy the Euros 2020 final safely and securely, behave responsibly and consider the safety and welfare of others.

‘London still remains in a public health crisis.

‘There are government guidelines in place and we ask people to follow these and remain socially distanced.’

‘We will enforce legislation proportionately and as appropriate and engage with crowds. But I urge people not to gather in large numbers.

‘If you don’t have a ticket to the matches or fan zone or an official booking for a pub, bar or club my message is clear: please do not come to London – you could end up missing the game.’

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