England have been hit with a stadium ban as a result of the disgraceful scenes in and around Wembley ahead of the Euro 2020 final.
UEFA has handed down a two-game stadium ban, with the second suspended for a period of two years.
Thousands of ticketless fans stormed the perimeter of the stadium, making their way inside for the game with Italy. England eventually lost on penalties to the Azzurri.
Febrile atmosphere at Wembley. This is near the main entrance to Club Wembley a few minutes ago where it looked like a group of fans broke through the security cordon. Stewards currently chasing people around. Not sure they’ll get all the way to the wine and canapés pic.twitter.com/YTIx8eQLz2
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) July 11, 2021
Metropolitan Police made 26 arrests around the stadium on July 11, more than half of the total number of arrests connected to Euro 2020 final events.
The English FA was subsequently charged with breaching Article 16(2)(h) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations for a lack of order or discipline by its supporters.
Things looking bleak enough around Wembley 🏴#ENGITA #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/1rYBlKGuXw
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) July 11, 2021
They were also charged with a number of incidents which occurred inside Wembley, including a pitch invasion, throwing of objects and the booing of the Italian anthem.
On Monday, UEFA meted out their punishment.
A 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.”
England's next home game comes with the visit of Albania to Wembley next month. However, as World Cup qualifiers fall under the auspices of FIFA and not UEFA, it means England's first home game in the Nations League will likely be the game played behind closed doors.
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