Police forces across the country have dealt with more than double the number of football-related incidents after the Euro 2020 final compared to all previous tournament matches.
The overwhelming majority of forces across England and Wales, including the UK Transport Police, saw demand surge overnight compared to Sunday’s England-Italy game.
There were at least 875 incidents in total. That’s more than double the number of incidents recorded compared to matches in previous tournaments – including the World Cup semi-final clash between England and Croatia in 2018, when there were 335. .
After England’s last 16 games against Iceland at Euro 2016, only 57 incidents have been reported.
Police arrest fan outside Wembley
A rocket is set off in front of the police near Leicester Square in London. Photo: AP
Of the incidents reported last night, some 496 occurred in licensed premises. There were 246 football-related arrests in total.
Police Chief Mark Roberts, chief football policeman for the National Police Chiefs Council, said: “While the outcome was not what we hoped for last night, it is absolutely no excuse for the appalling behavior that we have seen across the country.
“I am extremely disappointed to note the significant increase in incidents compared to England matches in previous tournaments.
“After the year the country has had, I can understand that people are eager to make the most of the easing of restrictions. However, there is no excuse for the violent and frightening behavior of a significant minority. who has chosen to drink excessively or take drugs, and become involved in criminal acts.
CC Roberts added: “Police forces from top to bottom of the country were well prepared for any increase in demand and incidents were dealt with firmly, but the scale of the problems clearly presented challenges.
“Nineteen Metropolitan Police officers were …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-07-12 18:44:00