The FA will speak to ‘all relevant parties’ and include ‘external experts’
An independent investigation has been launched by the Football Association into what they have described as the ‘disgraceful’ scenes in and around Wembley stadium during the Euro 2020 final.
In a statement released on Twitter today by the FA Spokesperson account, the Football Association announced the investigation would be led by Baroness Casey of Blackstock, a member of the House of Lords and government official specialising in social welfare.
Billed as the biggest night in English football for more than 50 years, the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy quickly descended into chaos, as thousands of fans – a large portion without tickets – congregated outside of Wembley stadium on the morning and afternoon of the match.
There were reports of mass drug taking, aggressive behaviour, intimidation and outright violence earlier in the day, before large groups began to tear down barriers intended to prevent those without tickets from gaining entry to the areas surrounding the stadium.
Statement from The @FA: pic.twitter.com/wvmggAjtxA
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 19, 2021
In the aftermath of the chaos, which also saw people make their way into VIP sections of the stadium, England centre-back Harry Maguire’s father was left with suspected broken ribs.
The FA were charged with four counts by European football’s governing body UEFA following the scenes at Wembley, with some suggesting that the chaos and the apparent lack of appropriate security provision around the stadium on the day could hamper England and Ireland’s joint bid for the 2030 World Cup.
