England handed stadium ban over crowd trouble at Euro 2020 final

England will play their next home game in a UEFA competition behind closed doors as a result of the crowd trouble and violence that erupted at the Euro 2020 final in July.

The Three Lions first appearance in a major final in 55 years prompted thousands of ticketless fans to turn up at Wembley and many were successful in forcing their way into the stadium, creating dangerous and frightening scenes.

There were clashes with police and stewards, largely fueled by hours of drinking, as well as witness reports of drug taking, public urination and criminal damage. It took until 2am for order to be restored with the Metropolitan Police confirming that 19 officers were injured and 49 arrests were made.

The behaviour of supporters responsible was immediately and widely condemned, but the apparent lack of effective security has also been scrutinised in the months since the shocking events unfolded.

UEFA launched disciplinary proceedings against the FA, who are accountable for the behaviour of England fans, covering four charges. These relate to disturbances during the national anthems, pitch invasions, the throwing of objects and the lighting of pyrotechnics.

On Monday afternoon England discovered their fate via a UEFA statement.

"Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the incidents that occurred during the UEFA EURO 2020 final match between the national teams of Italy and England played on 11 July 2021 at Wembley Stadium, London, and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings opened against the English Football Association, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has today taken the following decision," it read.

"To order the English Football Association to play its next two (2) UEFA competition matches as host association behind closed doors, the second of which is suspended for a probationary period of two (2) 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."

The ban only applies for UEFA-sanctioned competitions, meaning the behind-closed-doors game will be this summer's Nations League matches - which are yet to be drawn.

Should there be any further crowd trouble in the next two years, the Three Lions will be forced to play an additional match without spectators.

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