England given UEFA ban after Euro 2020 final disorder

England have been ordered to play their next home UEFA competition match behind closed doors, with a further match suspended, in relation to the disorder at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, UEFA has announced.

The showpiece game between England and Italy on July 11 was marred by chaotic and ugly scenes before, during and after it, with some ticketless supporters forcing their way through security cordons and gaining entry to the stadium.

Tournament organisers UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association on August 3 and issued sanctions on Monday.

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In addition to the one-match ban on supporters, a further one-game ban is suspended for a period of two years, UEFA said.

The Three Lions’ next UEFA competition match will be in the Nations League next June.

The Football Association has also been fined 100,000 euro (around £84,500).

A statement from UEFA read: “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 July 11, 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:

“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.”

A spokesperson for the FA said: “Although we are disappointed with the verdict, we acknowledge the outcome of this UEFA decision.

“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 Metropolitan Police reported on July 14 that there had been 51 arrests connected to the final – 26 of those were arrested while policing events in Wembley, with 25 arrests following events in central London. Nineteen officers were injured during the course of the policing operation.

The Wembley disorder has been held up by the UK’s football policing lead, Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, as an example of why rules around alcohol at football matches should not be relaxed.

Conservative MP Tracey Crouch is set to recommend a pilot in League Two and the National League allowing fans to drink in the stands or in their seat as part of her fan-led review.

Her recommendations are expected to be published this week.