Metropolitan Police make 49 arrests in connection with Euro final
The Metropolitan Police have made 49 arrests in connection with the policing operation for the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy at Wembley.
Earlier, a Wembley spokesperson confirmed a “small group” of ticketless fans breached security and gained access into the stadium before the 8pm kick-off on Sunday.
Footage also emerged in the hours before England’s penalty shootout defeat by Italy of disorder in Leicester Square.
In a statement released after the match, Met Police said: “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. A big thanks to officers across London and our blue light colleagues for their part in keeping Londoner’s safe and moving tonight.”
England were playing in a men’s major tournament final for the first time since the 1966 World Cup.
The Football Association condemned the “entirely unacceptable” actions of those who forced their way into the stadium.
A FA spokesperson said in a statement: “These people are an embarrassment to the England team and to all of the true fans who wanted to enjoy one of the most important matches in our history.
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“We will work with the relevant authorities to take action against anyone who is identified to have illegally forced their way into the stadium.”
Wembley officials had earlier denied fans had gained access to the ground without tickets.
Huge crowds of people earlier gathered outside Wembley and across London throughout the day, prompting police to urge anyone without tickets not to travel to the stadium.