UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings after chaotic scenes at Euro 2020 final

13 July 2021, 16:56 | Updated: 13 July 2021, 18:06

Ticketless fans jump Wembley perimeter to watch Euro 2020 final

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings over the chaotic scenes at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

People without tickets breached security at the stadium, with Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham accusing "drunken yobs" of trying to force their way in.

A UEFA statement on Tuesday afternoon read: "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium."

READ MORE: Group of England fans breaks through barriers at Wembley stadium

READ MORE: Fans who broke into Wembley 'an embarrassment' to England

UEFA has also charged the FA over a pitch invasion during the match, and over the throwing of a firework, the throwing of other objects and disturbing the Italian national anthem.

It comes after Mr Bullingham said on Monday a full review would take place into what had happened, with the Metropolitan Police, the Greater London Authority, the Safety Advisory Group and tournament stakeholders all involved.

The FA defended the level of stewarding and security in place for the match, saying it "exceeded the requirements for the match" and was "greater than any other previous event at Wembley Stadium".

A spokesperson added: "The behaviour of the people who illegally forced their way into the stadium was unacceptable, dangerous and showed total disregard for the safety and security protocols in place."

Wembley scenes won't get in way of World Cup bid, Cabinet minister tells LBC

There have been eyewitness reports of ticketless people being inside the stadium for the whole match, and of genuine ticket-holders being afraid to confront people occupying their seats.

Disability access charity Level Playing Field has expressed its concern at the events of Sunday, and warned that they could have been "catastrophic".

It issued a statement on Tuesday, which said: "Hearing that people were 'packed' into the 'disabled area' is worrying and should never happen.

"The issues at the final last Sunday could have been catastrophic for all fans but particularly disabled supporters caught in the violence or injured as a result of reported breaches at the accessible entrance and wheelchair user viewing areas."

The FA was fined last Saturday after a laser pointer was shone in the face of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as he prepared to face a penalty from Harry Kane during last Wednesday's semi-final at Wembley.