Euro 2020: England and Italy fans brawl in London’s West End following final

The streets of London descended into anarchy last night, with England and Italy football fans clashing in Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square and setting off fireworks as riot police struggled to break up the restless crowds after the Three Lions’ crushing Euros defeat at Wembley. 

Shocking video shows rowdy supporters draped in the flags of England and Italy shoving each other in the capital’s West End before a mass brawl erupted following the Three Lions’ loss to Roberto Mancini’s squad in England’s biggest match for more than half a century.

Armies of riot police appeared to struggle to contain the mayhem, with footage captured by passersby and shared on social media showing out-of-control fans clambering onto street lamps, setting off flares, and pushing into the official fan zone in Trafalgar Square without tickets. 

Scotland Yard said they made 49 arrests while policing the Euros final and have launched an urgent probe to find the ticketless football fans who stormed through Wembley Stadium’s security barriers and entered the grounds just moments before England’s game against Italy.

The force tweeted: ‘Our policing operation for the #Euro2020 final is drawing to a close. Thank you to the tens of thousands of fans who had good spirits and behaved responsibly. We made 49 arrests during the day for a variety of offences. We will have officers on hand throughout the night. Frustratingly, 19 of our officers were injured while they confronted volatile crowds. This is wholly unacceptable.’

Footage from inside Wembley showed what was reported to be an Italian fan punched to the ground and kicked by Three Lions supporters who burst onto the concourse. Other fans at the scene said the victim was English, and that the intruders were lashing out at anyone they could hit.

The Met were even forced to issue a statement denying rumours spread on social media that up to 12 people had been stabbed in East London. The force’s Barking and Dagenham Police team said on Twitter there had been an incident at around 6.30pm, but that there had been no injuries. 

Last night hundreds of boozed-up and grief-stricken England fans stood near the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square as riot police tried to disperse the restless crowds. The actions of a minority cast a shadow over the event as dozens of ticketless fans stormed the stadium before kick-off and injured 19 police covering it, while England’s trio of penalty-missers suffered racist abuse after the game.

The Duke of Cambridge has said he is ‘sickened’ by the racist abuse of England football players on social media, saying: ‘It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.’ 

The streets of London descended into anarchy last night, with England and Italy football fans clashing in Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square and setting off fireworks

Armies of riot police appeared to struggle to contain the mayhem, with footage captured by passersby and shared on social media showing out-of-control fans clambering onto street lamps

Armies of riot police appeared to struggle to contain the mayhem, with footage captured by passersby and shared on social media showing out-of-control fans clambering onto street lamps

London's Metropolitan Police have said they made 49 arrests while policing the Euros final yesterday

London’s Metropolitan Police have said they made 49 arrests while policing the Euros final yesterday

London's Metropolitan Police have said they made 49 arrests while policing the Euros final yesterday

London’s Metropolitan Police have said they made 49 arrests while policing the Euros final yesterday

A mass brawl erupted following the Three Lions' loss to Roberto Mancini's squad in England's biggest match in 55 years

A mass brawl erupted following the Three Lions’ loss to Roberto Mancini’s squad in England’s biggest match in 55 years

A man is led away in handcuffs after the wild scenes among football fans in central London following England's defeat

A man is led away in handcuffs after the wild scenes among football fans in central London following England’s defeat

Police regain control of Leicester Square, and then bring in extra officers to stop the fans from going to Piccadilly Circus

Police regain control of Leicester Square, and then bring in extra officers to stop the fans from going to Piccadilly Circus

Riot police try to disperse the crowds as hundreds of football fans descended upon the capital's Trafalgar Square during England's match with Italy

Riot police try to disperse the crowds as hundreds of football fans descended upon the capital’s Trafalgar Square during England’s match with Italy

Police officers monitor England supporters standing on the edge of Trafalgar Square during a live screening of the UEFA EURO 2020 final football match

Police officers monitor England supporters standing on the edge of Trafalgar Square during a live screening of the UEFA EURO 2020 final football match

A man is detained by officers as hundreds of football fans descend upon Trafalgar Square in central London tonight

A man is detained by officers as hundreds of football fans descend upon Trafalgar Square in central London tonight

Riot police descend upon central London as England fans begin to climb buildings following the nation's defeat

Riot police descend upon central London as England fans begin to climb buildings following the nation’s defeat

Riot police arrive to central London's Trafalgar Square after fans attempted to get into the fan zone without tickets

Riot police arrive to central London’s Trafalgar Square after fans attempted to get into the fan zone without tickets

Fireworks are set off while police officers watch over England fans on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

Fireworks are set off while police officers watch over England fans on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

Boris Johnson condemns ‘appalling’ racist abuse of England’s Saka, Rashford and Sancho after missed penalties as police launch probe and FA rages: ‘We don’t want you as fans’ 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson this morning condemned mindless racists who bombarded Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho with abhorrent abuse after the England players missed their penalties during last night’s Euro 2020 final.

The PM echoed the Football Association’s condemnation of those attacking the players after the team lost to Italy.

Mr Johnson said: ‘This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.

‘Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.

Home Secretary Priti Patel also headed up figures slamming the racists.

She said: ‘Players who have given so much for our country this summer have been subject to vile racist abuse on social media.

‘It has no place in our country and I back the police to hold those responsible accountable.’

It came as police began hunting the racists behind some of the vile social media posts.

The horrific comments, including the use of monkey emojis and racist language such as n****r , have led to the FA condemning its racist fans and saying they are not ‘welcome in following in the team’ and the Metropolitan Police has confirmed its officers will be investigating.

Following the game, hundreds of Italians were also seen celebrating in Piccadilly Circus, with some wearing ‘It’s coming Rome’ T-shirts. 

Others fans were in tears in the Trafalgar Square fan zone after the missed spot kicks by the England players.

Project manager Sonia Shah, 31, from North London said: ‘Penalties is an awful way to lose. Italy were better than us. But the team has lifted everyone after an awful year. And remember it’s the World Cup in just over a year. We’ll be back.’ 

And accountant Jasmine Law, 41, from East London said: ‘It looked like football was coming home, but it didn’t quite. It’s so disappointing to miss out on penalties. Players who missed should not be criticised. But we had hung on for much of the game after scoring. At least we had such a great run to the final.’  

A statement from the force read:  ‘A large crowd of fans have gathered near to the fan zone in Trafalgar Square attempting to push in without tickets. There are no more tickets or seats available in the fan zone. We’re engaging with this crowd and telling them to disperse.’

In another statement the force said: ‘Streets around Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square are busy with fans. We have officers on hand. We’d urge everyone to keep themselves safe and look out for each other. We’ve seen people jumping off street lamps or hoardings, this could easily end in injury. ‘ 

It came as dozens of fans were filmed trampling down the security cordon before running into the Club Wembley entrance, the closest point of entry from Wembley Way, as stewards and riot police desperately chased after them ahead of the national side’s biggest game since 1966.

The stampede of invaders draped with England flags were then seen rushing up the steps to the stands and barging their way through stunned security guards as hundreds of fans inside the stadium tried to stop them, with some even throwing punches at them.  

Footage later showed a massive surge of fans crushing their way through security barriers at Wembley and then running away from stewards as scenes descended into chaos. 

In other scenes, fans inside the stadium were seen trying to hold back the dozens of ticketless fans as they pushed past security and tried to make their way into the football ground.   

Following the chaotic scenes, the Metropolitan Police confirmed there had been a ‘breach of security’ at the stadium and said they were working with stadium officials to ‘identify those without tickets’.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Earlier this afternoon there was a breach of security at Wembley Stadium, which resulted in a small number of people getting into the stadium without a ticket.

‘Officers worked closely with security officials to prevent any further breaches. We will also support action by Wembley Stadium officials to identify those without tickets and eject them.’ 

A Wembley Stadium spokesperson added: ‘There was a breach of security and a small group of people got into the stadium. We are now working closely with stadium stewards and security to remove these people. Anyone inside the stadium without a ticket will be instantly ejected.’

Litters is strewn across the street near St Martin-in-the-Fields in London's Trafalgar Square during the UEFA Euro 2020 final between Italy and England

Litters is strewn across the street near St Martin-in-the-Fields in London’s Trafalgar Square during the UEFA Euro 2020 final between Italy and England

Officers stand with their shields near the National Gallery as they attempt to disperse the hundreds of fans at the scene

Officers stand with their shields near the National Gallery as they attempt to disperse the hundreds of fans at the scene 

Riot police carrying shields monitor England supporters standing outside St. Martin-in-the-Fields church on the edge of Trafalgar Square

Riot police carrying shields monitor England supporters standing outside St. Martin-in-the-Fields church on the edge of Trafalgar Square

England fans sit at the front of the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, during the UEFA Euro 2020 final between Italy and England

England fans sit at the front of the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, during the UEFA Euro 2020 final between Italy and England

Police arrive to  London's Trafalgar Square and try to disperse the large crowds following England's defeat with Italy

Police arrive to  London’s Trafalgar Square and try to disperse the large crowds following England’s defeat with Italy 

Hundreds of fans descend upon Trafalgar Square and cheer on the Three Lions as England prepare to face Italy in the Euro final

Hundreds of fans descend upon Trafalgar Square and cheer on the Three Lions as England prepare to face Italy in the Euro final

Officers stand guard and watch football fans after thousands of football supporters took to the streets amid England's nail-biting fight against Italy

Officers stand guard and watch football fans after thousands of football supporters took to the streets amid England’s nail-biting fight against Italy 

One fan clambers onto a street lamp as sores of officers wearing riot gear and clutching shields make their way along the streets of central London

One fan clambers onto a street lamp as sores of officers wearing riot gear and clutching shields make their way along the streets of central London 

Before kick-off, frenzied fans clambered onto buses outside Wembley, packed out pubs and set off flares in King’s Cross and Leicester Square before the Three Lions fight Italy for the Euro 2020 Championship.  

In Piccadilly Circus, one fan was spotted leaping from the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain into a crowd of excited supporters and outside the Wembley Stadium others were spotted climbing onto traffic lights and poles.

Meanwhile drunken supporters thronged other parts of the capital, gathering en masse in Leicester Square and at several major railway stations, to revel in one of Britain’s biggest sporting occasions in decades.  

The heart of London was heaving from mid-afternoon, with fans singing on London underground trains and thousands drinking and dancing outside Trafalgar Square.  

As the chaotic scenes began to unravel, British Transport Police – which patrols the country’s rail network – reported ‘multiple cases’ of flares being set off inside London stations.

‘We’re working with train operators to ensure the continuation of services & to ensure everyone can travel safely,’ the force said, adding: ‘these incidents are offences & will be investigated’.

The scenes came as a man was taken to hospital after he was struck by a bus on High Road, Wembley, at around 5.50pm, police said. 

As the chaos ensued, the Metropolitan Police and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were forced to take to Twitter to urge fans not to travel to Wembley without match tickets, with the force noting officers were ‘on hand engaging with crowds and to keep people safe’.      

Football fans stormed through the security barriers at Wembley just moments ahead of England's nail-biting fight against Italy

Football fans stormed through the security barriers at Wembley just moments ahead of England’s nail-biting fight against Italy

A group of football fans stormed through the security barriers at Wembley as stewards desperately tried to hold them back

A group of football fans stormed through the security barriers at Wembley as stewards desperately tried to hold them back

Fans stormed through the barriers

Fans push through security

Dozens of football fans were spotted pushing through the security barriers outside the Wembley stadium earlier today

Police officers form a line in front of the Wembley Stadium tonight as thousands of fans descend upon the scene

Police officers form a line in front of the Wembley Stadium tonight as thousands of fans descend upon the scene 

Fans draped in England flags gather outside the Wembley stadium during the game between England and Italy today

Fans draped in England flags gather outside the Wembley stadium during the game between England and Italy today 

Boris Johnson condemns ‘appalling’ racist abuse of England’s Saka, Rashford and Sancho after missed penalties as police launch probe and FA rages: ‘We don’t want you as fans’ 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson this morning condemned mindless racists who bombarded Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho with abhorrent abuse after the England players missed their penalties during last night’s Euro 2020 final. 

The PM echoed the Football Association’s condemnation of those attacking the players after the team lost to Italy. 

Mr Johnson said: ‘This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.

Home Secretary Priti Patel also headed up figures slamming the racists.She said: ‘Players who have given so much for our country this summer have been subject to vile racist abuse on social media. It has no place in our country and I back the police to hold those responsible accountable.’

It came as police began hunting the racists behind some of the vile social media posts.

The horrific comments, including the use of monkey emojis and racist language such as n****r , have led to the FA condemning its racist fans and saying they are not ‘welcome in following in the team’ and the Metropolitan Police has confirmed its officers will be investigating. 

While thousands rallied to support the players, especially Saka, who lit up the tournament for England at the age of just 19.

Calling on those behind the abuse to face arrest and prosecution, one fan said: ‘I’ll take these three Englishmen over any racist-moron-fake-fan every day of the week and twice on a Sunday’.

Another wrote: ‘I stand with Rashford. I stand with Sancho. I stand with Saka. I stand with a whole team of brilliant men who made us all proud & represent the best this country has to offer I reject everything about the Racists & Shape Shifters who represent the worst’.

Racist social media users instantly took to the accounts of the three black players who missed penalties in last night’s clash against Italy.

The players’ Instagram and Twitter feeds were subjected to a barrage of racist imagery including monkey and banana emojis, as well as written comments packed with horrifying slurs.  

One user wrote under the latest Instagram picture of Saka, 19: ‘Go back to Nigeria.’ While another said: ‘Get out my country.’ And another wrote: ‘Take banana n****r.’  And another, seemingly in support of the Italians, said: ‘It’s coming Rome!!! F****** n****r.’

Racists have bombarded Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jodan Sancho with abhorrent abuse after the trio missed their penalties during tonight's Euro 2020 final

Racists have bombarded Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jodan Sancho with abhorrent abuse after the trio missed their penalties during tonight's Euro 2020 final

Racists have bombarded Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jodan Sancho with abhorrent abuse after the trio missed their penalties during tonight’s Euro 2020 final

Racists took to Twitter with vile slurs after the Euro 2020 match

Racists took to Twitter with vile slurs after the Euro 2020 match

One user wrote under the latest Instagram picture of Saka (pictured), 19: 'Go back to Nigeria.' While another said: 'Get out my country'

One user wrote under the latest Instagram picture of Saka (pictured), 19: ‘Go back to Nigeria.’ While another said: ‘Get out my country’

Marcus Rashford puts his face in his hands after missing his penalty by striking the post

Jadon Sancho puts his head in his hands after he failed to score in the penalty shoot out in tonight's Euro 2020 final

Marcus Rashford, left, and Jadon Sancho have their heads in their hands after missing their kicks

Another user wrote, ‘Foreigners are stupid,’ seemingly choosing to ignore that Saka was born in Ealing, west London.  

In response to the deluge of racist comments and FA spokesman made it clear that racists are not wanted in football. 

A spokesman said: ‘The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media.

‘We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.

‘We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences. 

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they will be investigating the abuse

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they will be investigating the abuse

Another user wrote, 'Foreigners are stupid,' seemingly choosing to ignore that Saka was born in Ealing, west London

Another user wrote, 'Foreigners are stupid,' seemingly choosing to ignore that Saka was born in Ealing, west London

Another user wrote, ‘Foreigners are stupid,’ seemingly choosing to ignore that Saka was born in Ealing, west London

‘Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.’ 

And the Metropolitan Police confirmed they will be investigating the abuse and said: ‘We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final. 

‘This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.’

England players have taken the knee to support anti-racism drives throughout the tournament, a move that has drawn vocal criticism and boos from a section of their support. 

In turn the FA and senior players have attacked the boo-boys in the stands, stating their actions are precisely why the team feels a need to make a stand against racism. 

England lost the penalty shootout 3-2 after the match finished 1-1 after extra time.  

A spokesman said: 'The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media'

A spokesman said: ‘The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media’

Nineteen-year-old Bukayo Saka is inconsolable after failing to score his penalty kick and handing victory to the Italians

Nineteen-year-old Bukayo Saka is inconsolable after failing to score his penalty kick and handing victory to the Italians