UEFA hands England one-match stadium ban for Euro 2020 final unrest

UEFA has ordered the England national football team to play one match behind close door as a punishment for the unrest at Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final in July.

The ban will apply for a Nations League fixture in June 2022. A second empty-stadium game was deferred for a two-year probationary period.

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“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,” UEFA said. 

“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,” the European governing body added. 

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Thousands of English fans tried to break through barriers to get into Wembley, which was hosting the Euro 2020 final against Italy at about two-thirds capacity due to limits applied during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

England, in its first major tournament final for 55 years, lost to Italy in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw

“We continue to work with the relevant authorities in support of their efforts to take action against those responsible and hold them to accountm,” UEFA said. 

England was also fined 100,000 euros ($118,000) for fan violence and other incidents in and around the stadium, including disturbances during the Italian national anthem before the final.

The Football Association (FA) said it was disappointed with the verdict.

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“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 FA statement read, as per Sky Sports.