International tournaments are often described as “festivals of football”, but Euro 2024 has come to resemble something more like a rock festival as fans have taken to throwing beer and plastic pint glasses from the stands on to the field. Gareth Southgate became the latest target of a barrage as he went to acknowledge England’s discontented support after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday night and the Football Association could face a disciplinary charge from Uefa as a result.
The organising body has chosen not to comment on a spate of projectile incidents, with fans allowed to buy beer in stadiums and take it into the stands. But it has handed out a series of punishments for throwing objects with Scotland, Serbia and Albania fined thousands of euros each. A decision on whether to charge England now lies with Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.
Southgate appeared to be the target of a small number of cups as he applauded supporters at full time. The previous day, cups were thrown twice at Italy players by fans during their group B decider against Croatia , with full-back Federico DiMarco forced to clear the empty vessels from the pitch before taking a corner. During Serbia’s draw with Slovenia, the pitch was littered with cups forcing an intervention from the stadium announcer asking supporters to show restraint.
The throwing of cups has gone in tandem with the throwing of beer, with anecdotal reports of supporters getting covered in lager in plentiful supply. The BBC commentary team during the Italy-Croatia match were among those soaked after Luka Modric scored the game’s opening goal. “We’re getting absolutely drenched up here,” Jonathan Pearce said, before ad-libbing back into commentary: “The beer is flying, the scarves are flying, Croatia are flying!” His co-commentator, Danny Murphy, said it was “like being at the Ally Pally”.
Throwing beer into the air to celebrate a goal has been a visible part of English celebrations since the 2018 World Cup where such scenes at Boxpark venues in Wembley and Croydon went viral on social media. English match-going fans, however, are unaccustomed to being allowed to take drink into the stands as it is banned for domestic competitions. In keeping with the good behaviour of England fans during the European Championship, the throwing of beer and cups has been the action of a small minority.
The Football Association, along with the Football Supporters’ Association and the UK Football Policing Unit who are present in Germany, have been in constructive discussions with authorities in Gelsenkirchen before England’s return to the city for Sunday’s last-16 fixture. Alcohol and the possible sale of full-strength beer – after a ban was placed on its consumption for the opening match against Serbia – is under consideration, though no decision has yet been taken.
The focus has been on guaranteeing effective transport provision after fans were left stranded before and after the match some 10 days ago. Gelsenkirchen authorities are understood to have been proactive and helpful in the process.
